Zinedine Zidane Unveils New Staff for France Revolution
Zinedine Zidane has officially put names to his revolution with France, unveiling the staff who will shape his reign with Les Bleus.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointments on Thursday, with president Philippe Diallo signing off on a structure built entirely to Zidane’s specifications. The full group will be presented to the media at the start of September, in line with the roadmap laid out at Zidane’s unveiling on 28 July. The framework is now clear. The work starts immediately.
Zidane and Barthez, reunited
One name jumps off the page: Fabien Barthez.
The iconic former France goalkeeper returns to the national team set-up as the man in charge of the keepers, working under his old team-mate. Zidane and Barthez were at the heart of France’s golden era, lifting the World Cup and European Championship together. Now they bring that shared history, and a vast bank of international experience, back into the dressing room from the other side of the white line.
The symbolism is obvious. Zidane wants people who know what it takes to win with France, and Barthez embodies that.
A notable absentee
Not everyone expected to join him has made the cut.
Bernard Diomede, long tipped to be part of the new structure, is missing from the officially confirmed list. No role, no title, no late inclusion. For a figure once seen as likely to feature, his absence stands out in an otherwise tightly constructed staff.
Trusted lieutenants from Madrid days
Around Zidane, the core is familiar.
David Bettoni arrives as assistant manager, the natural choice after serving as Zidane’s right-hand man during his trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid. Their understanding is already proven at the highest level; Zidane clearly wants that same clarity and trust in the national team environment.
Hamidou Msaidie joins as another assistant, adding further depth to the tactical brain trust. The scouting and analysis arm is anchored by Stephane Plancque, officially appointed as scout and tactical observer, charged with dissecting opponents and feeding Zidane the detail he demands.
Gregory Dupont steps in as lead strategy and performance advisor, a key role in modern international football where physical and tactical preparation must dovetail perfectly over short windows with the squad.
Farid Tabet strengthens the technical side as assistant coach and data video analyst, while Clement Ybert comes in as assistant video analyst. Between them, they will turn hours of footage into the sharp, usable information Zidane needs on the training ground and in match preparation.
Off the pitch, a full structure
The FFF also confirmed that the staff list will be expanded with a dedicated liaison officer, appointed under a formal agreement with the French Ministry of the Interior. It’s a post designed to smooth communication and logistics between the squad, the federation and the authorities – the kind of detail that often goes unnoticed but matters in tournament football.
Around the players, a comprehensive medical unit has been assembled.
Dr Herve Collado leads the medical department, supported by osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Retali. Physiotherapists Maxime Matton and Paul Olive are among those tasked with keeping the squad fit, fresh and available during packed international windows.
It’s a structure that reflects Zidane’s demands: expertise at every level, no gaps, no excuses.
Now the names are official, the reunion with Barthez is sealed, and the trusted lieutenants are in place. The next step is simple and ruthless: turn this carefully built staff into results when France step back onto the pitch for the crucial internationals that lie ahead.
