Zidane Set for Emotional France Debut Against Turkiye in Nations League

Zinedine Zidane will begin his France reign away to Turkiye in the Nations League, describing the occasion as carrying even greater emotion than his first appearance for the national side more than 30 years ago. The former Real Madrid manager, speaking on Thursday, said he felt “immense emotion” at taking charge of France for the first time.

A new chapter after Deschamps

Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps following a 14-year tenure in which France won the 2018 World Cup. The appointment returns one of the country’s defining football figures to the international set-up, this time from the technical area rather than the midfield.

His standing with France was secured long before his coaching career. Zidane scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final, while his club management record includes three successive Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

The 54-year-old acknowledged that attention has intensified around the national team since his arrival, but said the scrutiny was to be expected. “This is something different,” Zidane said. “I’m arriving as head coach, so naturally people are talking about it.”

Mbappe set to captain France in Turkiye

Kylian Mbappe is expected to captain the side despite not appearing at the pre-match media conference. Adrien Rabiot joined Zidane instead, prompting questions over the forward’s condition before the match.

Zidane moved quickly to rule out any fitness concern, explaining that only one player had to attend alongside the coach. He said Mbappe was well and would be ready to play.

• France open Zidane’s tenure with a Nations League match in Turkiye.
• Mbappe is due to lead the team as captain.
• Rabiot represented the playing squad at the pre-match press conference.
• Belgium and Italy await France after the trip to Turkiye.

Six newcomers in Zidane’s first squad

Zidane has included six uncapped players as he begins to reshape the group, mixing established internationals with younger options. Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Liverpool’s Jeremy Jacquet are among those brought into the senior squad.

The other potential debutants are Esteban Lepaul, Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf and goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. Zidane said he had been encouraged by the early work of his first camp and stressed that places in the France squad remained open.

“I’m pleased with what I have seen so far,” he said. “The France team is open to everyone. We have a strong group, with experienced players and new faces.”

Winning remains the priority

Rabiot believes Zidane’s presence has shifted part of the external focus away from the players. The midfielder said the coach’s stature naturally draws attention and can give the squad more room to prepare without constant scrutiny.

For Zidane, however, the return is not intended to be a celebration of his past. With demanding Nations League fixtures ahead, he made clear that results will determine his time in the job.

“You have to accept the situation as it is,” Zidane said. “But that is not why I’m here. What matters most to me is winning matches.”