Zidane could turn to Inter’s Andy Diouf for France

Zinédine Zidane could make Andy Diouf the unexpected face of his first France squad. The Inter Milan player has emerged as a possible option at right wing-back ahead of the new coach’s opening list, which will be announced on 17 September at the French Football Federation headquarters.

Diouf, a midfielder by training, impressed in that position during Inter’s 4-1 win at Monza in the opening round of Serie A. He supplied two assists and was named player of the match. The performance gives Zidane an alternative after Didier Deschamps previously selected Jules Koundé and Malo Gusto at right-back for the 2026 World Cup. Gusto’s poor showing against England in the third-place match could work against him when Zidane makes his choices.

A senior France debut would mark another step for Diouf, who has represented the country from Under-17 level through the Espoirs and won an Olympic silver medal at Paris 2024. He joined Inter in summer 2025 and helped the club win the latest league title and the national cup, although he has not yet established himself as an automatic starter.

Zidane will begin his tenure in the Nations League. France are scheduled to visit Turkey on 25 September and Belgium three days later, before hosting Italy on 2 October and Belgium again on 5 October.