Zinedine Zidane Unveils New Coaching Staff for France National Team
Zinedine Zidane has officially lifted the curtain on his backroom staff for the France national team, with the French Football Federation (FFF) rubber‑stamping his choices and signalling the start of a new era for Les Bleus.
FFF president Philippe Diallo validated the entire structure on the basis of Zidane’s own proposals, a clear show of trust in the World Cup winner as he steps in as permanent successor to Didier Deschamps. The full staff will be presented to the media at the beginning of September, in line with the roadmap laid out during Zidane’s appointment on 28 July.
Barthez back with Zidane
The headline name is unmistakable: Fabien Barthez. The former France No. 1 returns to Clairefontaine to take charge of the goalkeepers, working under his old team‑mate and captain.
Zidane and Barthez formed the spine of the side that conquered the world and Europe with France. Now they reunite on the touchline, bringing with them a shared history of major tournaments, pressure moments and dressing‑room authority that few coaching teams can match.
One name, though, is missing. Bernard Diomede, long tipped to be involved in the new setup, does not appear in the officially confirmed staff. His absence stands out in an otherwise tightly constructed coaching group.
Zidane leans on his inner circle
Around Barthez, Zidane has surrounded himself with familiar and trusted lieutenants.
David Bettoni, his long‑time right‑hand man at Real Madrid, steps in as assistant manager. The pair built a formidable partnership in Spain, collecting Champions League titles and managing some of the game’s biggest egos. Zidane clearly wants that same understanding and clarity of roles in the national team environment.
Hamidou Msaidie joins as an additional assistant, strengthening the tactical unit and adding another voice to the training ground and match‑day preparation.
Stephane Plancque takes on the key role of scout and tactical observer, tasked with dissecting opponents and feeding Zidane the detailed analysis required at international level. Gregory Dupont, well‑known in elite performance circles, becomes the lead strategy and performance advisor, bridging the gap between physical data, workload management and on‑pitch demands.
The technical staff extends further into the modern game’s analytical core. Farid Tabet arrives as assistant coach and data video analyst, while Clement Ybert comes in as assistant video analyst. Between them, they will supply Zidane and his assistants with the visual and statistical breakdowns that shape game plans and in‑game adjustments.
The FFF also confirmed that a dedicated liaison officer will be added to the structure, a position created under a formal agreement with the French Ministry of the Interior. That role will handle sensitive coordination and logistics around the squad.
Medical department locked in
Behind the scenes, a full medical unit has been carefully assembled.
Dr Herve Collado will head up the department, supported by osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Retali. Physiotherapists Maxime Matton and Paul Olive form part of a wider physio team charged with keeping France’s stars fit, recovered and available during the congested international calendar.
From the dugout to the treatment room, the framework is now in place.
Zidane and his staff move immediately into preparation mode, with crucial international fixtures on the horizon and a clear mandate: turn this carefully built structure into results on the pitch for Les Bleus.
