What's happened
France has appointed Zidane’s backroom staff and unveiled a plan for the national team’s next cycle, with Barthez returning in a national role and Bettoni as assistant. Zidane will lead France starting with a Nations League away to Turkey on Sept. 25.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- Zidane’s appointment marks a high-profile return to international coaching, leveraging his Real Madrid era’s success.
- The staff choices suggest a focus on elite-level performance and strategic alignment, with Bettoni and Msaidie as close aides and Dupont shaping broader performance goals.
- The move positions France to pursue strong results in the Nations League and build a capable pool for the next World Cup cycle.
- Readers should watch how Barthez’s role influences goalkeeper development and how Bettoni’s experience translates to training camp efficiency.
How we got here
France has announced a new coaching staff to work under Didier Zidane after appointing him to a four-year contract last month. Barthez returns in a national role, Bettoni is named as assistant, and Dupont joins as Strategy and Performance Advisor as France prepares for the Nations League and upcoming training camps.
Our analysis
AP News reports that Zidane has appointed his France staff and that Barthez and Bettoni are among the key figures; France 24 provides background on Zidane’s broader coaching team and the Nations League schedule; another AP piece outlines the timeline of Zidane’s hiring and staff reveal.
Go deeper
- What does Zidane’s staff mean for France’s goalkeeper development?
- How will Bettoni’s Real Madrid experience influence France’s training camps?
- What is the schedule for France’s Nations League campaign this fall?
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