Zidane's New France Staff
Zinedine Zidane Unveils France National Team Staff, Reuniting with Fabien Barthez
Key Points
Laurent Georges will handle operational management as team manager.
A liaison officer will be appointed under a secondment agreement between the French Football Federation and the Ministry of the Interior.
The medical department will include physiotherapists Maxime Matton, Paul Olive, Najib Rmita and Pierre-Yves Froidevaux; osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Ritali.
Hamidou Msaidie is part of Zidane’s backroom team, joining colleagues from his Real Madrid era.
FFF president Philippe Diallo approved the appointments based on Zidane’s proposals, formalising the staff lineup.
France's football federation has confirmed Zinedine Zidane's full backroom staff, with former World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez joining as goalkeeping coach, according to Yahoo Sports. The pair last shared a dressing room when France lifted the 1998 World Cup trophy together.
The French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo formally approved the appointments based on Zidane's proposals. The complete staff will be presented to the media at the start of September. Zidane's first match in charge is set for September 25 in the Nations League against Turkey.
Barthez and Bettoni Anchor Zidane's Trusted Inner Circle
Fabien Barthez will take charge of France's goalkeepers, France 24 confirmed. Barthez previously worked as a goalkeeping coach in French club football before this appointment. His reunion with Zidane marks a return to the partnership that helped France win both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
David Bettoni stays on as assistant coach. Bettoni has been one of Zidane's closest allies since their time together at Real Madrid. Hamidou Msaidie is also part of the setup, another familiar face from Zidane's Madrid years, Yahoo Sports reported.
Dupont Brings Real Madrid Performance Blueprint to Les Bleus
Grégory Dupont will oversee strategy and physical performance for the national team. Dupont worked closely with Zidane during his trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid. His role will focus on keeping players fit and match-ready across a demanding international schedule.
The physical performance role is considered one of the most important in modern international football. Teams at major tournaments often play four or five matches in under three weeks. Dupont's experience at the highest club level makes him a key figure in Zidane's plans.
Expanded Medical Team and Government-Backed Liaison Role
Hervé Collado will lead a large medical department, according to Times Union. The team includes physiotherapists Maxime Matton, Paul Olive, Najib Rmita, and Pierre-Yves Froidevaux. Osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Ritali round out the medical support group.
A liaison officer will also be appointed under a secondment agreement between the FFF and the French Ministry of the Interior. Laurent Georges will handle day-to-day operational management as team manager. The government-backed framework is unusual and signals strong institutional support for Zidane's project.
September Unveiling Sets Stage for Turkey Nations League Opener
The full staff will be officially introduced to the press at the start of September, France 24 reported. That gives Zidane only weeks to bed in his team before competitive action begins. France face Turkey on September 25 in what will be Zidane's first game as head coach.
Zidane was hired on a four-year deal, giving him time to build toward the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028. His choice to surround himself with trusted figures from Real Madrid — where he won three consecutive Champions League titles — suggests he values continuity and proven chemistry over fresh faces.
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