RC Lens defender Ismaëlo Ganiou has been placed on a preliminary call-up list for the France national team, according to reports, as new head coach Zinédine Zidane prepares to name his first-ever squad. Ganiou joins Inter Milan midfielder Andy Diouf and Stade Rennais forward Esteban Lepaul among the young players flagged for potential inclusion, with the official squad set to be revealed on 18 September.
Who else is on the preliminary list with Ganiou?
Alongside the Lens defender, two other rising French talents have reportedly received similar pre-notifications. Andy Diouf, who now plies his trade in Serie A with Inter Milan, and Esteban Lepaul, an attacking option at Stade Rennais, are both understood to be in contention for a first senior call-up under Zidane’s incoming regime.
The presence of these three names signals an early willingness from the new coaching staff to look beyond the established core of the France squad and give recognition to players who have impressed at club level this season.
Why does this matter for Zidane’s first squad?
This pre-selection process marks one of the first tangible signs of how Zidane intends to shape his tenure as France head coach, following his appointment to succeed the previous management setup. Pre-convocations typically serve as an early signal to clubs and players that they are under serious consideration, without guaranteeing final inclusion once the official list is confirmed.
Sources close to the federation described the move as an early gesture toward emerging talent ahead of the new coaching era.
What happens next?
Zidane is expected to confirm his definitive squad list on 18 September, which will reveal whether Ganiou, Diouf and Lepaul secure their first senior international call-ups. The announcement will be closely watched as an early indicator of the tactical and personnel direction Zidane plans to pursue in his new role.
