Zinedine Zidane has enjoyed a start as head coach of the French national football team, securing victories over Turkey and Belgium without conceding a single goal while operating on a baseline salary of 3.6 million euros gross per season, excluding bonuses. The appointment, anticipated by supporters for nearly three decades, immediately revitalized the squad’s form through tactical rotations and an enterprising style of play, despite the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappé during the opening fixtures.
Tactical Rotations and Early Success Without Mbappé
Zidane took charge of Les Bleus with a clear mandate to refresh the national setup. Across his first two fixtures against Turkey and Belgium, the former Real Madrid manager instituted deep squad rotations, utilizing fringe players and squad depth while maintaining tactical stability. The approach yielded consecutive victories and a clean defensive sheet, reassuring analysts who questioned how the side would perform without its talismanic captain, Kylian Mbappé, sidelined for the initial matches.
That fixture was settled by a standout strike from Michael Olise, whose rapid development—from early challenges in youth academies to standout performances with Bayern Munich—cemented his status as an indispensable component of Zidane’s evolving lineup.
Financial Terms and National Anticipation
Public enthusiasm for the managerial transition stems from nearly thirty years of popular adulation, positioning Zidane within French football culture as a near-mythical figure. Media reports highlighted that Zidane accepted a base salary comparable to his predecessor, Didier Deschamps, set at 3.6 million euros gross annually, bypassing more lucrative commercial offers available in club management to take the helm of the national federation.
The appointment generated intense domestic demand, with the Stade de France selling out well in advance for Zidane’s home debut. Beyond national team duties, Zidane’s public appearances—such as his recent participation at an event on the pitch of the Vélodrome organized by his nephew Ryad Zidane—have continued to draw massive public attention from players and fans alike.
Preparations for the Upcoming Fixture Against Italy
Les Bleus turn their attention to a high-profile home fixture against Italy at the Stade de France.
Worth a look
