Zinédine Zidane prepares for France national team debut

Zinédine Zidane is preparing for his debut as the head coach of the France national football team, with his first match scheduled for September 25 in Turkey during the Nations League.

As part of his new management, Zidane has expanded the medical staff by creating a permanent position for a podiatrist. Marc Rétali, a specialist with twenty years of experience in professional football and cycling, has been appointed to the role. Rétali will be responsible for monitoring players, including Kylian Mbappé, and can provide on-site orthopedic services.

Speculation regarding Zidane’s initial squad selection has also emerged, particularly concerning the left-back position. While the team remains talented following the 2026 World Cup, observers suggest Zidane may introduce new faces, such as Adrien Truffert of Bournemouth, to compete with established players like Théo Hernandez and Lucas Digne.