Aimé Jacquet moved during Zinedine Zidane's second home match
In the corridor of the Stade de France, Zinedine Zidane, freshly at the helm of the Bleus, received an emotional welcome from his former mentor Aimé Jacquet, who was present among the spectators during France's Nations League victory on Monday.
After the tenures of Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps at the head of the French team, another 1998 World Cup champion has taken over the reins of the manager's role. Zinedine Zidane, double scorer in the final against Brazil, now leads the Bleus.
Second home match
On Monday, the Bleus secured their second home match of the Nations League, delivering a reassuring victory for France. In the stands, Aimé Jacquet, the former coach who led France to the world title, was present among the spectators. The dramatic moment occurred when the new manager, visibly moved, joined his mentor in the corridor of the Stade de France.
The scene was captured by TF1 cameras, which filmed the two men embracing and sharing a kiss before Jacquet whispered a few words into Zidane's ear. Although the content of those words remains inaudible, Zizou's smile clearly showed that he was delighted.
Zinedine Zidane gives Aimé Jacquet a moving moment
Congratulations from former champions
Laurent Blanc also joined the group, shaking Zidane's hand in a friendly embrace. Among the other former 1998 teammates, Robert Pirès, Christian Karembeu and Vincent Candela took the opportunity to extend their congratulations to the new manager.
Authorized photographers captured the moment, while Jacquet withdrew discreetly into the depths of the Stade de France. Zidane, for his part, then answered questions from another world champion, TF1 analyst Bixente Lizarazu. This interview extended the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the Bleus' victory.
This first home success places Zidane's new tenure within the continuity of the Bleus' trophy cabinet, recalling the emotional bond that links generations of French champions since 1998. The shared emotion between Aimé Jacquet and the new manager highlights the transmission of a legacy that has shaped French football since 1998.