Zinedine Zidane Unveils France Coaching Staff
Zinedine Zidane has officially lifted the curtain on his France backroom staff, with the French Football Federation (FFF) rubber-stamping a coaching team built entirely to his design.
Approved by FFF president Philippe Diallo and aligned with the roadmap set out at Zidane’s appointment on 28 July, the full staff will be formally introduced to the media at the start of September. The framework is already clear, though: this is Zidane’s project, from the dugout to the treatment room.
Barthez returns to Les Bleus
The headline name is unmistakable. Fabien Barthez is back with France.
The 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winner will take charge of the goalkeepers, reuniting with his former team-mate under the tricolour. Zidane and Barthez once anchored a golden era for Les Bleus on the pitch; now they attempt to shape another one from the touchline and training ground, armed with decades of elite international experience.
One name, however, is missing. Bernard Diomede, long tipped to join the setup, does not feature on the confirmed list. The omission stands out in an otherwise tightly curated group.
Zidane leans on his inner circle
Around Barthez, Zidane has surrounded himself with the core of his trusted lieutenants.
David Bettoni, his long-time right-hand man from Real Madrid’s trophy-laden spell, steps in as assistant manager. Their partnership, forged in Champions League and La Liga battles, now shifts to the international stage.
Hamidou Msaidie joins as another assistant, adding further weight to the tactical unit, while Stephane Plancque takes on the key role of scout and tactical observer, tasked with feeding Zidane the detailed analysis that will underpin game plans.
Gregory Dupont arrives as lead strategy and performance advisor, charged with optimising the squad’s physical and tactical output. The data and video department is bolstered by assistant coach and data video analyst Farid Tabet, working alongside assistant video analyst Clement Ybert to dissect opponents and refine France’s own patterns of play.
The FFF has also confirmed that a dedicated liaison officer will be added to the structure, a position that will be appointed under a formal agreement with the French Ministry of the Interior, tightening the institutional links around the national team.
Medical unit locked in
Behind the scenes, a comprehensive medical setup has been put in place.
Dr Herve Collado will lead the medical department, supported by osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Retali. The physiotherapy team includes Maxime Matton and Paul Olive, forming a specialised group tasked with keeping France’s stars fit, fresh and available across a demanding international calendar.
With the staff now defined and the hierarchy clear, Zidane and his newly assembled team can turn fully to the pitch. The real work starts immediately, with vital international fixtures looming and a new era for Les Bleus taking shape under familiar, but firmly re-energised, leadership.
