Zinédine Zidane Makes France Debut Amid Turkish Atmosphere and National Anthem Delay

Zinédine Zidane began his tenure as head coach of the France national football team under unusual circumstances in Izmit, arriving late to the pitch as La Marseillaise played against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League. The former Real Madrid manager and 1998 World Cup winner watched the opening notes of the French national anthem from the sideline after missing the initial moments of the pre-match protocol on Friday.

Delayed Entrance During the Anthem in Izmit

As the first notes of La Marseillaise echoed across the stadium in Izmit, Zidane and his coaching staff were not yet positioned on the field.

https://x.com/TF1/status/2103557195954606579

The brief delay marked an unconventional start to the much-anticipated era of Zidane on the French bench. Despite the logistical hiccup ahead of kickoff, the coaching staff quickly took their places as the players stood aligned on the pitch for Friday’s fixture.

A Hostile Reception in a Heated Turkish Stadium

The visiting French side walked into a high-intensity environment in Turkey. The home crowd made their presence felt immediately, directing loud boos at La Marseillaise during the opening moments of the anthem before settling in for the Nations League clash.

For Zidane, hostile atmospheres are familiar territory from an illustrious playing career that featured high-stakes matches across Europe. The fiery stadium climate in Izmit provided a stern early test for the newly appointed manager, even as the Turkish selection looked to bounce back following a difficult run that included a challenging World Cup campaign for players like Arda Güler and his teammates.

Next Steps for Les Bleus

With his debut match now underway, Zidane and the France squad continue their UEFA Nations League campaign. The team will return to domestic and international fixtures as the coaching staff looks to establish its tactical identity ahead of upcoming qualifying fixtures.