Zidane removes podiatrist Marc Retali from France staff, Serge Isidoro appointed as replacement

The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that podiatrist Marc Retali will no longer be part of Zinedine Zidane's coaching staff for the national team. The decision comes after Retali gave an unauthorized interview to in mid‑August, discussing his excitement at being selected by the new head coach. The FFF deemed the media appearance a breach of the confidentiality agreement required of staff members.

Serge Isidoro, a long‑time collaborator of the French medical department, has been named as Retali's successor. Isidoro will now work alongside Hervé Collado, the newly appointed team doctor, to oversee player health and injury prevention.

Retali had previously been introduced as a member of Zidane's backroom team, and he publicly expressed his amazement at the appointment. "I was thrilled and surprised to be chosen for this role," he said in the interview that sparked the controversy.

The FFF's decision was reportedly driven by Collado's concerns that Retali's comments violated the strict confidentiality clause governing the staff. "When a member of the medical team speaks publicly without clearance, it undermines the trust and cohesion we need," a source close to the federation explained.

Zidane, who has been rebuilding the squad since taking over, welcomed the swift change. "Our priority is to maintain a professional environment where every staff member respects the protocols that protect our players," he stated.

Isidoro, who has worked with the French national setup for several years, expressed readiness to step in. "I look forward to contributing to the team's success and ensuring our players receive the best medical support," he said.

The incident highlights the growing scrutiny on backroom staff and the importance of media discipline in high‑profile national teams. The French squad now moves forward with the revised medical team ahead of upcoming qualifiers.