Zinedine Zidane Begins New Era as France National Team Coach
- Recognized alongside Michel Platini as one of France's all-time great players, Zidane earned 108 caps before ending his international playing career in the 2006 World Cup final in...
- Zidane announced his first squad on Friday, introducing several new faces and signaling an intent to play a more open style of football.
- Arsenal defender William Saliba is missing due to injury, and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is also sidelined.
Zidane Steps Into the France Job After a Long Wait
Recognized alongside Michel Platini as one of France’s all-time great players, Zidane earned 108 caps before ending his international playing career in the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin. “I have been waiting four or five years for this day. I am filled with emotion, I am really excited. I am happy.”
A New Attack-Minded Era for Les Bleus
Zidane announced his first squad on Friday, introducing several new faces and signaling an intent to play a more open style of football. While Deschamps achieved immense success—including winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching five semi-finals in the last six major tournaments—his teams occasionally faced criticism for prioritizing substance over style.
You will get to see how I see football.
Playing good football is what gets me going.
France reached the semi-finals of the recent World Cup in North America before losing to Spain, with Mbappe finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. Michael Olise also delivered standout performances during the tournament, while Ousmane Dembele featured intermittently. All three players are included in Zidane’s initial squad.
Squad Selection and Upcoming Fixtures
Arsenal defender William Saliba is missing due to injury, and Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is also sidelined. To reinforce the squad, Zidane called up Liverpool center-back Jeremy Jacquet following a strong start to the domestic season. Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul—who finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer last season—also earned their first selections. Zidane’s backroom staff includes assistant David Bettoni, who previously worked with him at Real Madrid, and former teammate Fabien Barthez as goalkeeping coach. Following the opening fixture against Turkey, Les Bleus face Belgium away in the Nations League. Zidane’s home debut at the Stade de France takes place against Italy, renewing competitive fixtures against the nation that defeated France in the 2006 World Cup final. The ultimate objectives for the new manager include qualification and performance at Euro 2028 across the UK and Ireland, followed by the 2030 World Cup in Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.
