Zidane looks more relaxed and demonstrative since Clairefontaine

Zinédine Zidane appears markedly less reserved since taking charge of the French national team, a change visible from the first sessions at Clairefontaine and confirmed during the match against Belgium.

First sessions at Clairefontaine

The phenomenon did not appear suddenly on Monday in Belgium; from the first trainings at Clairefontaine, the coach was seen smiling, relaxed, joking with his players and much closer to his group. This attitude contrasts with the image of a man usually discreet and hard to read.

An extraordinary celebration

As the matches progress, this more demonstrative side becomes increasingly evident, sometimes even completely unleashed, revealing a facet that the public still knew very little about. Zidane's celebration after Michael Olise's goal against Belgium most spectacularly illustrates this change: he struck a ball placed at the side of the pitch as if he were taking part in the match himself. An unusual reaction for a coach known for his measured demeanor.

“I don’t even know what I did,” the coach admitted, describing his own behaviour as “a bit ridiculous.” This comment shows that he is aware of his new conduct.

Lionel Charbonnier explains that this outburst reflects the release of immense pressure. In his first meeting, Zidane was much more tense; the second match against Belgium, with nine changes and ambitious choices, allowed him to release that tension.

“Follow me, guys, we’ll win together,” his behaviour now seems to proclaim, according to Charbonnier, who believes that Zidane is taking “even more leadership of his group.”

Guy Lacombe also perceives a profound evolution. The former coach of Zidane at Cannes, who has known him since his professional beginnings, points out that the game remains “at the heart of the project” and that this intense joy deeply resembles him. He appears more approachable than in his previous role at Real Madrid, where the responsibilities forced him to control his emotions.

It is not only about the celebration after Olise’s goal. From his first week with the Bleus, Zidane has been very present with his players, and his first success in Turkey had already been experienced with great emotion. Belgium seems to have broken down an additional barrier, awakening in him an emotional closeness that explains why the ever‑reserved man now appears less concerned with hiding what he feels.