Zinedine Zidane will take the helm of the French national team for the first time today, Friday 19 September 2026, as they face Turkey in a Nations League fixture. This highly anticipated debut sees the enigmatic coach lead a squad described as mercurial.
Zidane's managerial career includes three Champions League victories with Real Madrid, a feat achieved by only five coaches, placing him alongside Bob Paisley, Pep Guardiola, and Luis Enrique, and behind only Carlo Ancelotti. He is also the sole manager to win three successive Champions Leagues.
Despite his impressive record, Zidane's coaching philosophy has often been a subject of debate, with observers finding it difficult to pinpoint his specific tactical genius. His tenure at Real Madrid also saw him win two La Liga titles across four full seasons.
In an early move to assert control, Zidane has reportedly banned the press from covering the arrival of players at France's Clairefontaine base. This decision suggests a desire to shape the team's environment from the outset, potentially revealing more about his coaching style than previously observed at club level.