According to FCInterNews.it, Andy Diouf is taking big steps in his career. After playing for Lens, he transferred to Inter Milan in the summer of 2025, and the 23-year-old midfielder quickly secured a place in Simone Inzaghi's plans. Though Diouf was deployed as a right-back, a position different from where he previously played, the French-Senegalese player impressed during pre-season and continued to showcase his quality in league matches, the Supercoppa Italiana against Real Madrid, and his first Champions League appearance.

His recent performances have particularly caught the attention of French media. Many French outlets believe he could feature in Zinedine Zidane's first squad list, to be announced on September 18. If selected, it would represent both recognition of his strong start to the season and a continuation of his experience with the French national team, which he has represented since youth level.

Diouf has never represented Senegal, despite the country's interest. In fact, the opposite occurred. In September 2023, while he was still playing for Lens and being tracked following his move from Basel to Ligue 1, Senegalese coach Aliou Cissé admitted to personally contacting the young midfielder's family. Cissé explained that Senegal wanted to introduce him to their setup and had spoken with Diouf's father, who was given time to let his son make a careful decision.

The player ultimately decided to continue with the French U-21 team. At the time, Diouf clearly explained this choice. When asked about Senegal's approach, he said he had been contacted but preferred to continue his development with the French youth system. "I've gone through all the stages of French youth football," he explained. "Now that I've reached this point, my goal is to go through the U-21 team first before moving to the senior national team." This decision had nothing to do with any lack of interest in Senegal. Diouf has always acknowledged his feelings toward his father's homeland, particularly his respect for Senegal as his country and his admiration for the national team's performances.

However, after nearly two years, the player's statements appear to have shifted. Following Senegal's successful qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, Diouf spoke in an interview with Inter TV about his Senegalese heritage. His remarks generated particular attention in his native country. "Senegal is my father's country and most of my family lives there. Senegal is part of me," he said. These statements reignited speculation that he could represent the Lions of Teranga. However, at that time, he had not announced any change of heart and continued his path with the French national team.

Now the situation has changed. Diouf has progressed through different levels of the French youth system, starting with the U-21 team, then participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and now establishing himself at one of Europe's biggest clubs. His rapid adaptation to Inter Milan and his transition to right-back have brought him further recognition. As French media has focused on him, many observers believe he could benefit from being included in Zidane's first squad as promising young talent. For Diouf, a senior national team call would be a significant milestone. When he explained his choice in 2023, his goal was to eventually move from the U-21 team to the senior national team. Three years on, this could become reality. For Senegal, this matter carries a different meaning entirely.

Senegal attempted to call up Diouf at the start of his international career, but he chose to continue with France. Now, considering his impressive performances at the start of the season and the attention he is receiving from French scouts, if Zidane decides to call him up for the first time, the window of opportunity for Senegal could gradually close. Andy Diouf has never played for the French senior national team, which makes the current situation particularly significant. The choice he made in 2023 may soon come to fruition.

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