Zinedine Zidane and Fabien Barthez: 30 years of loyalty between glory and heartbreak
Zinedine Zidane and Fabien Barthez, two former France players, will reunite as coach and goalkeeper coach of the French national team, 30 years after their last selection together in 2006.
Their destinies are undoubtedly linked. Twenty years after the heartbreak of the 2006 World Cup final lost to Italy on penalties, their last selection together, Zinedine Zidane and Fabien Barthez will reunite with the Blues. The first cited, named coach, has chosen the second to occupy the position of goalkeeper coach in his staff, announced the French Football Federation on Thursday.
In September, the two friends who shine by their discretion will write a new chapter in their common history, begun in the 1990s. Separated by almost a day on their passport, Barthez (born June 28, 1971) and Zidane (June 23, 1972) first wore the blue jersey together on May 30, 1991, at the occasion of a France-Scotland (1-1) match in the Toulon Tournament (now called the Maurice-Revello Tournament), a competition reserved for national teams under 21.
The next day, against Poland...
Who are they?
Zinedine Zidane and Fabien Barthez are two former France players. Zidane was the coach of the France national team from 2016 to 2020, while Barthez was the goalkeeper of the France national team from 1995 to 2006.
Why is it important for France?
The reunion of Zidane and Barthez at the head of the France national team is an important event for the country. The two former players have a great experience and a great knowledge of the France national team, which will allow them to form a good team.
What comes next?
The next step for Zidane and Barthez is to form a competitive France national team. They will have to work hard to form a team that can win the World Cup in 2026.
Current state of the France national team
The France national team is currently 1st in the FIFA World Rankings, with 9 points, 3 wins, 0 draws, and 0 losses in 3 matches. France is also 3 points ahead of Norway in the ranking.
Last result
France lost 4-6 to England on July 18, 2026.
Next match
France will play against Turkey on September 25, 2026.
