Zinedine Zidane Unveils France Staff: Fabien Barthez Named Goalkeeper Coach

The French Football Federation (FFF) officially announced the complete coaching staff for the France national football team under newly appointed head coach Zinédine Zidane, confirming that 1998 World Cup champion Fabien Barthez will take over as specific goalkeeper coach. According to official announcements confirmed by the federation, the comprehensive technical, medical, and support staff structure is taking shape ahead of the team’s upcoming international commitments in September.

Fabien Barthez Takes Charge of Goalkeeping Duties

At 55 years old, the former goalkeeper steps into the role of specific goalkeeper coach, bringing elite tournament experience to the technical area. His appointment had circulated in sports media reports for several weeks prior to the official confirmation by the governing body.

Zinédine Zidane’s Complete Coaching and Technical Staff

Zinédine Zidane formally assumed his position on July 28, succeeding Didier Deschamps after declaring upon his appointment that coaching the national team was the only job he wanted. The technical staff supporting Zidane features David Bettoni as assistant coach alongside assistant Hamidou Msaidie. Performance and strategy will be guided by Grégory Dupont, while Stéphane Plancque serves as an observer. Video and data analysis responsibilities are assigned to assistant coach and video data analyst Farid Tabet, supported by deputy video analyst Clément YBERT.

Medical and Support Infrastructure

The medical department supporting the squad includes team doctor Hervé Collado, alongside physiotherapists Maxime Matton, Paul Olive, Nagib Remita, and Pierre-Yves Froideval. Additional physical care is managed by osteopath Philippe Boixel and podiatrist Marc Retali. The operational support staff features team manager Laurent Georges, security logistics lead Mohamed Sanhadji, security agent Mustapha Khalef, and kit managers Kamel Lahlouh and Bastien Geray. Media coverage and daily team operations involve journalists Guillaume Bigot and Antonio Mesa, alongside team chef Roberto Falvo.

Next Steps and Upcoming Schedule

The French Football Federation noted that the staff will be finalized and presented in its entirety at the beginning of September, a process that will include appointing an official liaison officer via an established convention with the Ministry of the Interior. The squad is scheduled to reconvene in September, opening their competitive calendar with an away fixture against Turkey on September 25 in the UEFA Nations League.