The Zidane Era Begins: French Legend Takes Charge of First Les Bleus Training

Zinedine Zidane has officially launched his highly anticipated tenure as head coach of the French national team, leading his first training session at the legendary Clairefontaine complex. The 1998 World Cup hero succeeded his former international teammate Didier Deschamps following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

The atmosphere at the camp signaled an immediate shift in energy, with the 54-year-old manager heavily participating in drills and showcasing that his world-class passing touch remains entirely intact. Zidane has wasted no time enforcing a no-nonsense, football-first environment, which reportedly includes stricter encampment rules and closing traditional media access during the squad's initial arrival to minimize off-field distractions. [1, 2, 3]

This international window marks the start of France's UEFA Nations League campaign. The legendary midfielder is currently preparing a talent-packed squad—headlined by captain Kylian Mbappé and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé—for his formal managerial debut against Türkiye. With a contract locked in through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the ultimate objective remains singular: return Les Bleus to the pinnacle of international football under one of the game's greatest-ever icons.