Zidane takes charge of France as new head coach begins first session

Zinédine Zidane oversaw his first training session as head coach of the French national football team on Monday, formally beginning his tenure in charge of Les Bleus, according to a report from France 24.

The session marks Zidane's transition from one of football's most decorated players and club managers into the top job with the national program. As a player, Zidane captained France to the 1998 World Cup title and later won the Ballon d'Or, before moving into coaching, where he led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

Early days of a new tenure

Reports did not detail which players took part in the first session or outline the tactical approach Zidane intends to pursue, and neither Zidane nor the French football federation issued extended public remarks beyond confirming that the session had taken place. Coaches typically use opening sessions with a national squad to evaluate fitness levels, review player form, and begin laying tactical groundwork ahead of a team's next official fixtures.

Zidane's appointment places him in charge of a squad with a recent history of deep tournament runs, and his arrival is likely to draw close attention from supporters and analysts as the team's next matches approach. Coaching staff appointments and a fuller outline of his plans for the squad are expected to be announced in the coming days.

For now, the first session stands as a symbolic starting point: a new head coach, widely regarded as among the most successful figures in the sport in his generation, stepping into a role that will be measured against the national team's traditionally high expectations on both the continental and world stage.