Zinedine Zidane, France's magician, returns, debut in Kocaeli
Zinedine Zidane, France's magician, returns, debut in Kocaeli. The former attacking midfielder takes over as new head coach of the Équipe Tricolore. His first match sees the team on Friday against Turkey in the Nations‑League‑format in Turkish Kocaeni. After an intensive training session at the Clairefontaine centre, where he once as Zizou at Bordeaux prepared for international matches.
Zidane returns to Clairefontaine
Clairefontaine still knows Zinedine Zidane from another era. In the training centre of the French Football Federation, Zizou, as he has been called since his time at Bordeaux, once prepared for international matches himself. Dayot Upamecano recalled after the first session: “We were all fans of him when we were children.”
Kylian Mbappé, now captain and superstar of the French national team, also knows the magician from his youth. He said: “I think there is nothing better than meeting him here in the castle.” Zidane confirmed that Mbappé remains captain.
Zidane's coaching and playing career
Zidane brings as new head coach not only his name but also an impressive coaching record. As head coach of Real Madrid he led the Royal Blues between 2016 and 2018 to three consecutive Champions‑League triumphs and won two Spanish league titles. Since his departure in 2021 he has not coached any club and turned down offers because he only wanted to take over the Équipe de France.
Zidane makes debut against Turkey in Nations League appearance
As a player Zidane was 1998 World Cup champion and 2000 European champion with France. He earned 108 caps and scored 31 goals. His last match was the memorable World Cup final on 9 July 2006, which ended with a header against Italy.
The first assignment as coach begins on Friday in Kocaeli against Turkey in the Nations‑League‑format. This is followed by a duel against Belgium, before the first home game at the Stade de France against Italy on 2 October.
Mbappé absent from the conference, Zidane reassures about his form
Expectations for the new head coach are high, as French fans recall the glorious past. As the media emphasized after the first training sessions, Zidane remains a magnet for precise passes and creative impulses.