Zidane’s return reshapes France as Europe watches on Tuesday

France officially appointed Zinédine Zidane as head coach today, twenty‑one years after his split with the national team, marking a headline‑making move on Tuesday. The announcement also featured the nickname Zizou and highlighted the parallel transfer of Diomande, while Barça prepared for a trip to England.

The appointment dominated Europe’s front pages, being described as the big story of the day across the continent. It underscored the significance of a former World Cup winner returning to the French national side.

In Italy, the upheaval was swift: Maldini and Leonardo resigned just 16 days after a veto on Pirlo, and the Federation immediately began promoting Mancini as a replacement. The rapid turnover illustrated the fragile nature of the project.

Four-year pact sees French legend Zinedine Zidane take France helm

Spain’s Real Madrid turned inward, with Nacho telling AS that the squad needs Mourinho’s guidance. The club also completed a more than €100 million purchase of Diomande, a youngster who had been at a U.S. academy only a year and a half earlier.

Barça travelled to England with the entire first‑team squad, featuring surprise inclusions of goalkeeper Ter Stegen and midfielder De Jong. Discussions also emerged about whether signing Junior Kroupi would be a prudent addition.

France locks in Zidane for a decade‑long World Cup project

In Portugal, the courts intervened in football matters, launching an investigation into the refereeing that cost Duarte Gomes his job, supported by leaked audio and video evidence.

The transfer market kept moving: Inter secured John Stones on a free transfer, Sevilla pursued 23‑year‑old striker David Romero, Betis announced Dovbyk’s departure to Bologna, and Superdeporte summed up Valencia’s preseason with the phrase “a lot needs to change.”