Zinedine Zidane marks his debut as the head coach of France on Friday, September 25, when his side takes on Turkiye at Kocaeli Stadium in Izmit. The UEFA Nations League encounter is scheduled to kick off at 9:45pm local time (18:45 GMT), with comprehensive build-up coverage beginning on Sport at 15:45 GMT.
Reflecting on the milestone, the legendary former player expressed deep pride in leading the national team. When asked if the occasion holds as much weight as his international debut over three decades ago, Zidane smiled and noted that it might be even more significant. He described the appointment as a realization of a long-standing ambition, following his tenure as successor to Didier Deschamps, who led the team for 14 years, including a 2018 World Cup victory and a runners-up finish in 2022.
The focus on Zidane’s arrival is intense, echoing the same fervor seen during his illustrious playing career. During his time on the pitch, he became a national icon, famously earning a tribute on the Arc de Triomphe after the 1998 World Cup triumph. His decorated career includes two goals in the 1998 final against Brazil, a Ballon d’Or award, and success in the European Championship, alongside multiple league titles and a memorable Champions League volley for Real Madrid. Having transitioned to coaching with three consecutive Champions League titles at Real Madrid, Zidane remains focused on the task ahead rather than the media spotlight.
Kylian Mbappe is expected to captain France despite recovering from a recent minor injury. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot, one of the team’s vice-captains alongside Ousmane Dembele and Jules Kounde, represented the squad at the pre-match press conference. Rabiot remarked that the heavy attention on Zidane acts as a shield for the players, allowing them to prepare with greater tranquility. Addressing the media, Zidane emphasized that his primary interest is winning matches and integrating a balanced squad featuring both seasoned veterans and six newcomers, including Leny Yoro and Esteban Lepaul.
France’s squad for the match features Maignan in goal, a backline of Kounde, Upamecano, Lacroix, and Truffert, midfield support from Camavinga and Rabiot, and an attack led by Dembele, Olise, Doue, and Mbappe. Conversely, Turkiye enters the match without Hakan Calhanoglu and Kenan Yildiz due to injuries, though Real Madrid’s Arda Guler is available. The predicted Turkish lineup includes Cakir, Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali, Ozcan, Kokcu, Yuksek, Guler, Yilmaz, and Akturkoglu.
History favors the visitors, as France holds four victories compared to Turkiye’s one in their six previous meetings. The most recent clash ended in a 1-1 draw during the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign in 2019, where Olivier Giroud’s 76th-minute opener was canceled out by Kaan Ayhan just five minutes later.
Following the trip to Turkiye, France faces an away fixture against Belgium on Monday, followed by a home double-header at the Stade de France against Italy on October 2 and Belgium three days later. The report also notes that zinedine Zidane was asked if taking charge of his first France game on Friday will feel just as special as his playing debut for Les Bleus more than 30 years ago. The report also notes that zidane’s dream was realised when he replaced Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. The report also notes that now it’s Zidane’s chance to make his mark on a team he once starred for. The report also notes that his face was beamed onto the Arc de Triomphe in Paris the night France celebrated its first World Cup triumph in 1998, affectionately nicknamed “Zizou”. The report also notes that zidane scored two headers in the final in a 3-0 win over Brazil and later that year he won the Ballon d’Or. The report also notes that for his international career began brilliantly in 1994 with two stunning goals against the Czech Republic after coming on as a substitute, his rise to the top seemed almost fated. The report also notes that he then won league titles with Juventus and Real Madrid and scored a brilliant volley to help Madrid win the Champions League in 2002. The report also notes that i’m taking over as head coach so people are talking about it,” he said. “That makes sense.”.
