France: who is Pablo Pagis, Zidane's new surprise among the Blues?

The 23-year-old Paris FC midfielder earns his first France call-up for Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey, becoming the first player from his club called up since 1973.

Pablo Pagis has been named in Zinédine Zidane's 23-man France squad for Nations League fixtures against Italy on 12 November and Turkey on 15 November. The 23-year-old Paris FC midfielder gets his opportunity following an injury to Maghnes Akliouche, a player Zidane had been monitoring.

Zidane explained his selection: "I want to see players, I have the possibility to choose. For example, Pablo Pagis, it was the opportunity. Akliouche is injured, I make this choice today, I want to see him with us. I don't know how it will go, he's in the list of 23 players, we'll see his playing time."

Pagis, born 29 December 2002 in Montbéliard, has progressed through Rennes' academy and Lorient's system before joining Paris FC in summer 2026 for approximately €16 million. He scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in Ligue 1 last season, establishing himself as a key player in the capital.