Zidane's Surprise Pagis Call-Up Divides Pundits in First France Squad

Zinédine Zidane published his first France squad list on Friday, largely retaining the group that launched the Nations League campaign while reserving a surprise spot for Pablo Pagis, striker for Paris FC.

Several key players are making their return from injury, notably Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ibrahima Konaté. Pagis, meanwhile, benefits from the absences of Ousmane Dembélé and Maghnes Akliouche, the latter sidelined with a calf injury. At his press conference, Zidane justified the choice: “He was on the extended list and it’s a player I want to see. He’s interesting, different, and it’s good to be able to see him at this gathering.”

The call-up of Mickaël Pagis’s son did not meet with universal approval. Pundit Maxime Chanot defended the player’s sporting credentials while offering nuance: “He came off a superb season at Lorient and has made a very good start with Paris FC. But I find Zidane’s justification a bit strange. It feels a bit like a stopgap. I imagine Pablo Pagis is smart enough to know he won’t be in the France squad when all the big names are available.” Chanot nonetheless acknowledged that this type of selection allows Zidane to explore new attacking options and “gives a lot of credibility to Ligue 1”.

Florent Gautreau took a harsher view of the manager’s approach. “These are somewhat ‘advertising’ and ‘marketing’ selections. That doesn’t mean these players don’t deserve it. But Zidane wants to show that everyone has a chance and that he likes technical players. He also wants to show his break with Deschamps,” the journalist analysed. While praising Pagis’s profile in Ligue 1, he raised concerns about his international level, also citing the case of Esteban Lepaul as an example of a door opened then closed by the demands of the highest level.

France will have only two matches during this gathering for Pagis, like the other new faces, to convince their manager.