Andy Diouf, France rather than Senegal?

Andy Diouf is in the process of reaching a new level. Arriving at Inter Milan in the summer of 2025 after his time at RC Lens, the 23-year-old midfielder quickly found a place in Cristian Chivu's plans. Used in a right wing-back role, a position different from the one he had mainly played up until then, the Franco-Senegalese player made a strong impression during pre-season and then confirmed his form in the league.

His recent performances have especially drawn attention in France. Several French media outlets are now mentioning the possibility of seeing him included in Zinédine Zidane's first squad list, expected on September 18. Such a call-up would reward the player's start to the season, but also continue an international story that began very early with France.

Senegal had approached him in 2023

Because Andy Diouf's absence with the Lions is not due to a lack of interest from Senegal. Quite the opposite. In September 2023, while the player was at RC Lens after being discovered at FC Basel, Aliou Cissé admitted to having personally contacted the young midfielder's family. The Lions' head coach explained that Senegal wanted to present its project to him and had spoken with the player's father. Aliou Cissé revealed that Andy Diouf's father had asked for some time so that his son could think it over and make his choice.

The player ultimately decided to continue with the French Under-21 team. Diouf fully stood by this decision at the time. Questioned back then, he explained that he had been approached by Senegal, but preferred to continue his journey with the French national youth teams. “I've done all my development with France's youth squads. So, when you've done all that, the goal is to go to the Under-21s, to go to the senior team.” he explained.

A decision that therefore had nothing to do with a lack of interest in Senegal. Diouf always acknowledged his attachment to his father’s country. He notably explained that Senegal was also his country and that he followed the Lions' performances.

A changed position

Two years later, however, the player's words seemed to have evolved. After Senegal qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Diouf spoke about his Senegalese origins in an interview with Inter Milan’s channel. His comments particularly drew attention in his country of origin.

“Senegal is my father's country, where almost all of my family lives,” he explained, before adding: “Senegal is a part of me.” These statements reignited speculation about a possible arrival among the Lions. At the time, however, the player did not announce any change of decision and remained committed to his international journey with France.

Are Les Bleus now within reach?

The situation is different today. After coming up through the French youth teams, up to the Under-21s and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Diouf is now established at one of Europe's most prestigious clubs. His quick adaptation at Inter and his repositioning as a right wing-back have given him new visibility. As a result, his performances have started to spark discussion in France.

Several observers now describe him as a profile who could benefit from the renewal initiated by Zinédine Zidane for his first squad list. For Diouf, a call-up would represent a kind of accomplishment. When he explained his choice in 2023, his goal was precisely to follow his path all the way to the French senior team. Three years later, that possibility may now be becoming real. For Senegal, the matter is inevitably taking on a different dimension.

The Lions tried their luck when Diouf was still at the beginning of his international career. At the time, the player preferred to continue his story with France. Today, as he is putting together an impressive start to the season and drawing the attention of French observers, the window could gradually close if Zinédine Zidane decides to give him his first call-up.

Andy Diouf has never yet worn the French senior team shirt. That is precisely what makes the current situation so unique: the choice he made in 2023 could soon finally be resolved.