Zidane’s partial staff raises questions over Barthez’s licence
On Thursday, the French Football Federation officially unveiled Zinédine Zidane’s newly appointed coaching staff for the France national team, presenting a partial list that will be completed in early September and already includes several Real Madrid loyalists alongside former World Cup winner Fabien Barthez, whose coaching credentials are under scrutiny.
The announcement was described as a partial version, with the full staff to be presented at the beginning of September. (Il s’agit d’une version partielle, qui sera complétée et présentée en totalité début septembre.)
Zidane’s entourage is built around faithful colleagues from his Real Madrid days, notably Bettoni, Msaidie and Dupont, among others. Their presence signals continuity with the tactics that defined his club success.
Joining the group is Fabien Barthez, the iconic 1998 France goalkeeper, appointed as Entraîneur des gardiens for the Bleus. His reputation as a player contrasts with questions about his coaching qualifications.
Goalkeeper coach’s licence gap
The French Football Federation requires the goalkeeper coach to hold the CEGB Pro certificate or an equivalent UEFA A Goalkeeper licence. Barthez currently lacks either, prompting a compliance issue under Le Code du sport.
Sports journalist Gilbert Brisbois highlighted the problem on X, writing: « Premier souci de l’ère Zidane : comment la FFF, seule assermentée à délivrer les précieux diplômes d’entraîneurs, va-t-elle justifier Fabien Barthez qui ne le possède pas ? »
In defence, the federation points to Barthez’s ongoing pursuit of the required credentials. He is presently undertaking the Brevet d’Entraîneur de Football (BEF), a qualification recognised as a UEFA A licence, and is described as “en cours d’obtention”.
Zidane reportedly inquired last month about obtaining a derogation or accelerating the process so Barthez could sit the exam promptly, aiming to resolve the issue before the staff’s full reveal.