Zinedine Zidane brings 'aura' to his first France game as coach, against Turkey in Nations League

Zinedine Zidane was asked if taking charge of his first France game on Friday will feel just as special as his playing debut for Les Bleus more than 30 years ago.

“Even more so, maybe,” a smiling Zidane said Thursday ahead of a Nations League game at Turkey. “I feel an immense emotion being at the head of this France team.”

Zidane's dream was realized when he replaced Didier Deschamps after the World Cup. His former teammate Deschamps was in charge for 14 years, winning the World Cup in 2018 and losing the 2022 final.

Now it's Zidane's chance to make his mark on a team he once starred for. Affectionately nicknamed “Zizou,” his face was beamed onto the Arc de Triomphe in Paris the night France celebrated its first World Cup triumph in 1998. Zidane scored two headers in the final in a 3-0 win over Brazil and later that year he won the Ballon d’Or. Two years later, he was instrumental in France winning the European Championship.

His rise to the top seemed almost fated, for his international career began brilliantly in 1994 with two stunning goals against the Czech Republic after coming on as a substitute.

He then won league titles with Juventus and Real Madrid and scored a brilliant volley to help Madrid win the Champions League in 2002.

Zidane understands expectations are high, given his achievements as a player and how he led Real Madrid to three straight Champions League titles as a coach.

“It’s something new. I’m taking over as head coach so people are talking about it," he said. "That makes sense.”

After facing Turkey, France plays Belgium away Monday before hosting Italy on Oct. 2 and Belgium three days later, with both those games at Stade de France.

France’s all-time top scorer Kylian Mbappé is set to captain the side against Turkey at Kocaeli Stadium stadium in İzmit, having shrugged off a minor injury.

Zidane was asked why, given that Mbappé is captain, he was not present at Thursday's pre-match news conference. Instead, it was midfielder Adrien Rabiot who spoke to the media.

“The obligation is to have one player and the coach," Zidane said. “(Mbappé) is fine. He will be ready to play tomorrow.”

Zidane can chose from six new faces in his squad.

Striker Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), defenders Leny Yoro (Manchester United) and Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), midfielder Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Andy Diouf (Inter Milan) and Guillaume Restes (Toulouse) are set for their debuts.

“I'm happy with what I've seen so far. The French team is open to everyone,” the 54-year-old Zidane said. “We've got a good squad, some veterans, some newcomers.”

Rabiot is one of Zidane's vice-captains along with forward Ousmane Dembélé and right back Jules Koundé.

Rabiot said the huge attention placed on Zidane gave the players a welcome back seat.

“His aura means he commands a lot of attention,” Rabiot said. “In a way, it’s a good thing that the focus is more on the coach than the players. It gives them a bit more peace and quiet."

Zidane understands the limelight but does not seek it.

“You have to accept how things are. But I’m not here for that," he said. "Winning matches is what interests me the most.”

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