Zinedine Zidane will officially begin his tenure as France manager on Friday when Les Bleus face Turkey in a UEFA Nations League encounter, marking the start of a new era following Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign. The 54-year-old, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest footballers alongside Michel Platini, has waited several years for the opportunity to manage his country. This moment represents the culmination of a long-anticipated transition for French football, as the nation looks to its icon to translate his on-field genius into tactical mastery on the touchline.
Zidane was appointed Deschamps’ successor in July, officially taking the reins after a prolonged period of speculation. He will be assisted by David Bettoni, his former colleague at Real Madrid, while World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez joins the coaching staff as goalkeeping coach. The composition of the backroom team signals a blend of elite-level experience and familiarity, aiming to provide Zidane with a solid foundation as he steps into the high-pressure environment of international management.
“I have been waiting four or five years for this day. I am filled with emotion, I am really excited. I am happy. This is huge for me,” Zidane said during his unveiling in Paris. The raw passion of those words underscores the magnitude of this opportunity for a man who has already achieved so much as a player. Now, he faces the immediate challenge of meeting the immense expectations that accompany the France job, starting with a fixture that offers both a test and a platform.
Following the Turkey encounter, France will face Belgium away before hosting Italy at the Stade de France on October 2. The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, which commences on 24 September, places France in a challenging group that includes Belgium and Italy. Turkey, while not a traditional powerhouse, possesses a resilient and organized unit that will test France’s defensive cohesion under Zidane’s watch. The trip to Belgium and the home fixture against Italy in early October will further scrutinize the team’s progress, with each match serving as a crucial data point in Zidane’s early tactical blueprint.
As Zidane prepares to lead Les Bleus, observers will be scrutinizing his tactical decisions and man-management skills to see if he can replicate the leadership that defined his playing days. The transition from legend to manager is rarely seamless, but Zidane’s deep connection with the French footballing public and his proven pedigree at the highest levels of the game give him a unique advantage. Friday’s match against Turkey is not just a game; it is the first chapter in a new era for one of the game’s most storied nations.
