Zidane and Barthez have a strong connection, having played together when France won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship. Barthez, a 55-year-old, appeared 87 times for France and his last game was the 2006 World Cup final, where Zidane was sent off in extra time for headbutting defender Marco Materazzi. The reunion between the two former teammates is a significant development for the French national team.
According to ESPN Soccer, Zidane has also chosen David Bettoni as his assistant coach. Bettoni was Zidane's assistant coach at Real Madrid, where the Frenchman guided the Spanish club to three straight Champions League titles from 2016-18. This appointment suggests that Zidane is looking to replicate the success he had at Real Madrid with his new backroom staff.
France is set to face Türkiye in the Nations League on September 25, followed by a match against Belgium three days later. The team will be looking to make a strong start under Zidane's leadership, and the appointment of Barthez as goalkeeper coach could be a key factor in their success.