Zinédine Zidane has reflected on Kylian Mbappé’s formative trial at Real Madrid twelve years ago, admitting he never imagined he would eventually coach the forward at the international level. Speaking in a press conference ahead of a UEFA Nations League fixture in Turkey, the France national team manager recalled welcoming the young prospect to the Spanish capital when the player was just 14 years old.
Zidane Recalls Mbappé’s Early Madrid Trial
A Shared History at the Training Ground
The shared history between the two French football icons dates back to Mbappé’s youth visits to Madrid’s training facilities. Long before the forward established himself among the global elite, Zidane took the young player under his wing during a high-profile youth trial.
Recognizing Raw Potential Early On
Addressing reporters regarding that period, Zidane described his initial impressions of the teenage prospect. “If I imagined that I would train him when he came to Real Madrid at 14? No, I didn’t think about it at all when I saw him arrive at Real Madrid,” Zidane said during his press conference.
While the manager did not foresee a future intersection in the national team setup during those early days, he noted that the player’s underlying abilities were immediately apparent. “I wasn’t saying to myself that I could be in the French national team in 2026 with him, but on the other hand, what I saw in him was his potential, what he could do on the pitch,” Zidane stated.
The Missed Transfer and Later Success
The youth trial ultimately did not result in a permanent youth contract at that time, keeping the young forward on a different developmental path through French football structures before his professional breakthrough. “During his trial, everyone was enthusiastic at the idea of seeing Kylian at Real Madrid, it didn’t happen, but afterwards we know the history,” Zidane added.
Preparations for the Turkey Fixture
The remarks come as the French squad prepares for an upcoming away fixture in the UEFA Nations League, bringing the manager and his star forward together within the senior international setup. The fixture against Turkey serves as the latest test for Les Bleus under Zidane’s leadership.
The team will continue its tournament preparations in Turkey ahead of the scheduled kickoff, with full squad availability managed by the coaching staff. Supporters can follow official team updates and match coverage through official tournament channels.
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