Zidane could call up Butez for his first France squad on September 18

Zinédine Zidane will announce his very first squad as France manager on September 18. Among the choices fueling speculation, the name of goalkeeper Jean Butez keeps coming up to complete the hierarchy of France’s goalkeepers.

Behind the undisputed number one Mike Maignan (31 years old) and young Robin Risser (21 years old), one spot appears to be up for grabs. Brice Samba, 32, appears weakened two years before Euro 2028, opening the door to a newcomer in the squad.

Butez, 31, has established himself as one of Serie A’s best goalkeepers since arriving at Como in January 2025 for just 2 million euros. Trained at LOSC, he built his reputation at Mouscron and Royal Antwerp before excelling in Lombardy with 19 clean sheets last season — a performance that matches that of Spaniard David Raya on a European scale.

His manager Cesc Fabregas is full of praise for him. “Sometimes we underestimate certain transfers. We signed players who were almost unknown like Butez, who for me is a champion. My goalkeeper coach, one of the best in Spain, had never seen a player with this mentality. He works hard every day and has become a leader in the dressing room. I think he’s ready to play for the national team,” he said last spring.

The Ligue des Champions could accelerate things: Como will notably face PSG, RC Lens, Barcelona and Manchester United, offering Butez an ideal European showcase to finish convincing Zidane before or after the publication of the first squad.

Other new faces are also being tipped to join Clairefontaine, notably midfielder Andy Diouf and striker Esteban Lepaul, who have had a remarkable start to the season.