Zidane's wild touchline sprint fuels France's last‑minute win

France's new manager Zinedine Zidane celebrated a dramatic finish on Monday, 28 September 2026, as Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise struck in the 88th minute to secure a 1‑0 victory over Belgium. The win marked Zidane's second triumph in charge, following a 1‑0 Nations League success against Turkey on Friday.

Olise's late winner and Zidane's celebration

The contest remained tightly contested on Belgian soil until the closing stages, with both sides creating few clear chances. The tense clash unfolded in Belgium. Olise's late header broke the deadlock, sending the French supporters into a frenzy as the clock edged towards full‑time.

Zidane erupted onto the touchline, sprinting with uncharacteristic vigor before booting a spare ball away from a cone set near the pitch edge. The 54‑year‑old former midfielder beamed, his joy mirrored by the jubilant France bench, which leapt up behind him.

Zidane's appointment and France's recent form

Zidane succeeded Didier Deschamps after the World Cup, signing a four‑year contract with France. He told reporters, “The French team was the only thing I wanted to do,” adding he had turned down club offers to pursue his dream.

Zidane refuses Belgium to wait for Deschamps' mandate

Deschamps ended a 14‑year reign following a 2‑0 semi‑final defeat to Spain and a 6‑4 loss to England in the third‑place play‑off, leaving France fourth. His tenure comprised 185 matches, 120 victories, and trophies including the 2018 World Cup, the 2020‑21 Nations League, and the Euro 2016 and 2022 finals.

Zidane retired from playing in 2006 after a glittering career that yielded 108 caps, 31 goals and 29 assists for France, and a Ballon d’Or that year. As a manager he guided Real Madrid to three Champions League titles.

Olise's late strike clinches France win in Nations League

France have two matches left in the current international break, facing Italy on Friday before a return clash with Belgium the following Monday.