Kylian Mbappe has described the experience of playing under new France head coach Zinedine Zidane as something straight out of a movie. Their relationship, which dates back 15 years, has now taken a remarkable turn with Zidane stepping in to lead the national team.
On Friday, Zidane officially succeeded Didier Deschamps, taking charge of Les Bleus for the first time in their Nations League fixture against Turkey in Izmit. Mbappe reflected on their long history, recalling their first encounter when Zidane guided him during a Real Madrid youth trial.
“He was the first person who picked me up to take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex. I was 13 or 14, so it was a long time ago,” Mbappe told Spanish newspaper AS. “Now he’s my national team coach. It’s like a film, but it’s amazing. It’s real.”
Transitioning to a New Era for France
Following the conclusion of Deschamps’s 14-year tenure, which ended on a sour note with a heavy defeat to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals this past July, the French squad is embarking on a fresh chapter. As two-time world champions, they are now focused on preparing for Euro 2028.
The team’s immediate agenda includes four upcoming Nations League matches during the extended international break, featuring games against Belgium twice and Italy at the Stade de France. Mbappe emphasized the significance of this transition period.
“We’re starting a new process with France. We have two years to prepare for the European Championship and that’s what we’re focused on now,” he explained. “It’s a new era with a new coach. We have the Nations League coming up, four games, and we’ll see how they go.”
With the entire squad adjusting to Zidane’s leadership after years under Deschamps, this fresh start represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the French national team.