Zinedine Zidane Unveils France Coaching Staff

Zinedine Zidane has officially lifted the curtain on his France backroom staff, with the French Football Federation (FFF) confirming a coaching team built firmly in his image.

Approved by FFF president Philippe Diallo and based entirely on Zidane’s own proposals, the structure marks the true beginning of his reign as permanent successor to Didier Deschamps. The full staff will be presented to the media at the start of September, in line with the roadmap set out at Zidane’s appointment on 28 July.

Barthez returns to Les Bleus

One name jumps off the page: Fabien Barthez.

The former France No.1, a World Cup and European Championship winner alongside Zidane, will take charge of the goalkeepers. The pair dominated the international stage together in the late 1990s and early 2000s; now they reunite on the training pitch, this time as coach and specialist.

For the national team, it is a direct injection of elite tournament know-how into the most scrutinised position on the pitch.

A trusted core around Zidane

If Barthez is the headline, the spine of the staff is pure continuity from Zidane’s club success.

David Bettoni, his long-time lieutenant at Real Madrid, arrives as assistant manager. Their partnership delivered multiple Champions League titles in Spain; Zidane clearly intends to replicate that tight inner circle at Clairefontaine.

Hamidou Msaidie joins as another assistant, strengthening the tactical brain trust around the head coach. Stephane Plancque takes on the key role of scout and tactical observer, charged with dissecting opponents and feeding information into Zidane’s game plans.

Gregory Dupont steps in as strategy and performance advisor, overseeing the physical and performance framework that will underpin France’s campaigns.

On the technical and analytical side, Farid Tabet comes in as assistant coach and data video analyst, with Clement Ybert appointed as assistant video analyst. Together, they will handle the detailed visual and data breakdowns that shape modern international football.

One expected name is missing. Bernard Diomede, initially tipped to be involved, does not appear on the confirmed list and will not be part of Zidane’s first staff.

Medical unit and liaison role

Behind the scenes, the FFF has also locked in a comprehensive medical setup.

Dr Herve Collado will lead the medical department, supported by osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Retali. Physiotherapists Maxime Matton and Paul Olive are among those tasked with keeping the squad fit and available for the demanding international calendar.

The federation also confirmed that a dedicated liaison officer will be added to the staff. That role will be created under a formal agreement between the FFF and the French Ministry of the Interior, underlining the institutional weight behind this new era.

With the structure now in place and the hierarchy clearly defined, Zidane and his hand-picked team can move straight into preparation mode for the crucial international fixtures that will begin to define his tenure.