Zinedine Zidane Unveils New France Coaching Staff

Zinedine Zidane has officially unveiled the team that will stand behind him as he takes charge of France, with the French Football Federation (FFF) confirming his full backroom staff on Thursday.

Approved by FFF president Philippe Diallo and built entirely on Zidane’s own recommendations, the structure marks a clear break from the Didier Deschamps era. The federation will present the entire setup to the media at the start of September, in line with the roadmap laid out during Zidane’s appointment on 28 July.

Barthez returns alongside Zidane

The headline name is unmistakable: Fabien Barthez. The former France No. 1, a central figure of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs, will take charge of the goalkeepers under the authority of his former team-mate.

Zidane and Barthez forged some of the most iconic nights in French football together in the blue shirt. Now they reunite on the touchline, bringing back to Clairefontaine a shared bank of high-pressure, high-stakes international experience that few nations can match.

One name, though, is missing.

Diomede left out

Bernard Diomede, long mentioned as a likely member of Zidane’s staff, does not appear on the official list. The former winger had been widely expected to join the project, but Zidane’s final selection has gone in a different direction, underlining how tightly he has defined his inner circle for this new cycle.

Zidane’s trusted lieutenants

Around Barthez, Zidane has surrounded himself with familiar faces and long-term allies.

David Bettoni, his right-hand man during the trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, comes in as assistant manager. Their understanding was forged over Champions League runs and title races, and that partnership now shifts to the international stage.

Hamidou Msaidie also joins the staff as an assistant, adding another voice to the technical and tactical discussions. On the analysis and scouting front, Stephane Plancque has been appointed scout and tactical observer, tasked with dissecting opponents and feeding Zidane the detailed intelligence he demands.

Gregory Dupont steps in as strategy and performance advisor, overseeing the physical and performance framework around the squad. Working alongside him, Farid Tabet takes on a dual role as assistant coach and data video analyst, while Clement Ybert joins as assistant video analyst, strengthening the video and data department that underpins modern elite preparation.

The FFF has also confirmed that a liaison officer will be added to the structure, a position created under a formal agreement with the French Ministry of the Interior, to manage sensitive operational and logistical links between the team and the authorities.

Medical unit locked in

Behind the scenes, a full medical setup has been put in place.

Dr Herve Collado will lead the medical department, supported by osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Retali. The physiotherapy team includes Maxime Matton and Paul Olive, forming a comprehensive unit designed to keep Zidane’s players fit, available, and ready for the intense schedule ahead.

With the staff now in place and the framework signed off, Zidane and his newly assembled team move straight into preparation mode for the crucial international fixtures that will define the early chapters of his reign.