Pablo Pagis Earns Surprise Call-Up to French National Team Amid Injuries
Pablo Pagis joins the French national squad for the first time as Zidane responds to injuries and focuses on youth integration.
Key details
- Pablo Pagis called up to national team for the first time due to injuries in squad.
- Zinédine Zidane values Pagis's unique playing style and youth potential.
- Pagis has risen swiftly from Ligue 2 to Ligue 1, performing strongly at Paris FC.
- Kylian Mbappé and other key players return to bolster the squad.
- France leads their Nations League group and aims to improve attacking chemistry.
Pablo Pagis, the 23-year-old attacker currently playing for Paris FC, has received his inaugural call-up to the French national football team. This decision by coach Zinédine Zidane comes in response to injuries within the squad, notably to Maghnes Akliouche and Ousmane Dembélé. Zidane highlighted he had been monitoring Pagis, describing the player as "different" and part of a youth-focused strategy.
Pagis's ascent has been rapid; just two years ago, he competed in Ligue 2 before progressing through clubs including Stade Rennais and FC Lorient, where he was instrumental in their promotion. His contributions in Ligue 1—10 goals and five assists last season alongside a strong start with Paris FC—have clearly impressed Zidane. In the current season, Pagis has posted three goals and one assist in nine appearances, showcasing his attacking prowess.
The national team squad for upcoming matches against Italy on November 12 and Turkey on November 15 also sees the return of established stars like Kylian Mbappé who has bounced back in fine form at Real Madrid. Zidane's squad remains stable overall, leading their Nations League group with three wins and a draw, yet he emphasizes improving attacking dynamics and chemistry. Pagis's inclusion represents both a tactical response to absences and a commitment to infusing youthful talent into the team as France moves closer to securing a quarter-final berth.
Source articles (3)
-
google.com Nov 6, 2026
Équipe de France de football : Mbappé et des cadres reviennent dans la liste de Zidane, avec la surprise Pagis
-
Football. Équipe de France : une surprise et des retours, que retenir de la deuxième liste de Zinédine Zidane ?
-
franceinfo.fr Nov 6, 2026
En Ligue 2 ans il y a deux ans, fils d'un ancien joueur pro... Qui est Pablo Pagis, la nouvelle surprise appelée en équipe de France par Zinédine Zidane
Source comparison
Pablo Pagis's position
Sources report different positions for Pablo Pagis
google.com
"Pablo Pagis, a midfielder for Paris FC with 40 Ligue 1 matches under his belt, has been unexpectedly selected."
franceinfo.fr
"Pablo Pagis, a 23-year-old attacker from Paris FC, has made headlines after being called up."
Why this matters: One source describes Pagis as a midfielder, while another identifies him as an attacker. This discrepancy affects the understanding of his role in the team.
Injuries listed for squad adjustments
Sources report different players being out due to injury
google.com
"Zidane has had to make adjustments to his squad due to several key players being injured or out of form, including Dembélé, Koundé, and Saliba."
franceinfo.fr
"This marks Pagis' first selection for the national team, largely due to the injuries of Maghnes Akliouche and Ousmane Dembélé."
Why this matters: One source mentions Dembélé, Koundé, and Saliba as injured, while another only refers to Akliouche and Dembélé. This affects the understanding of the squad's situation and depth.