Zidane urges France to put Ballon d’Or debate aside before Nations League campaign

France manager Zinedine Zidane says his squad must focus on their matches rather than the Ballon d’Or as they prepare to face Turkey, Belgium and Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe are among the France players in contention for the award, but Zidane insisted the discussion would not affect the team during the international break.

“There is a debate every day, and everyone has the right to say what they want,” Zidane said at a news conference. “As I have said, I know very well what winning the Ballon d’Or means.”

“Every player naturally dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or one day, and that must be respected. From time to time there are discussions, but honestly, there will be no debate when we are all together.

“I do not think there will be any problem within the national team. We will have a clear objective, which is the matches we have to play.”

Zidane said France’s schedule would leave limited time for tactical preparation, with four matches to be played over a fortnight.

“There will certainly be some tactical work, but we will not have much time,” he said. “We will play every three days and travel a lot as well. That is what the first camp will look like.

“At the same time, it is good that we have four matches and 15 days together. That will help us get to know each other better, particularly the coaching staff and the players.”

He added that the short recovery periods would be the main challenge.

“The only problem we will face is that the recovery time will be very short, so all the players must be ready to take part,” Zidane said.

Zidane has also announced his first France squad for the European Championship matches.

Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, Fenerbahce midfielder N’Golo Kante and Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez were left out.

Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet and Como midfielder Luca Da Cunha have received their first call-ups.

Adrien Truffert has returned after four years away from the France squad, while Andy Diouf is back after last representing the team in 2024. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has also been recalled after missing the 2026 World Cup.

The squad is:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens).

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Luca Da Cunha (Como), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).