Zinedine Zidane's new mandate threatened by a corruption scandal

While the Zinedine Zidane era begins with two victories and the excitement of a new kit at the Stade de France, an investigation by L’Équipe reveals a scandal that could tarnish these promising beginnings.

The beginning of an era under the spotlight

Appointed coach of the French national team on July 28, after fourteen years under Didier Deschamps, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner secured his first two matches at the helm of France. This appointment comes with increased visibility, the coach preparing to step onto the pitch of the Stade de France once again.

The revelations that disturb

But Mohamed Sanhadji, former trusted aide of Didier Deschamps and the “security man” of the French team, was retained by Zinedine Zidane. He is currently under investigation for corruption, influence peddling, fraud and money‑laundering of tax fraud.

L’Équipe reports that Sanhadji allegedly received close to €300 000 from several French internationals between 2020 and 2024, in addition to benefits in kind and vacations offered by some players.

To finance the purchase of his house, he is said to have approached fifteen internationals, explaining his financial difficulties.

Among the lenders, Kylian Mbappé, through his mother Fayza Lamari, allegedly advanced €120 000. Raphaël Varane, Sabri Lamouchi, Laurent Blanc, Yann M’Vila and Mattéo Guendouzi are also said to have lent money to Sanhadji.

Franck Ribéry is reported to have offered a stay in Sicily valued at €6 000, after Sanhadji allegedly facilitated the acquisition of administrative documents in Algeria for the player’s relatives.

The investigation led to raids at the French Football Federation and at Fayza Lamari’s residence, highlighting the scope of the case.

These revelations cast a shadow over the start of the Zinedine Zidane era, reminding that sporting successes can quickly be eclipsed by off‑field affairs.