ENGLISH_SLUG zidane-france-staff-barthez-bettoni
The French Football Federation (FFF) lifted the veil on Zinedine Zidane’s coaching staff on Thursday, answering one of the biggest questions hanging over his appointment as national team manager. Just over two weeks after the former Real Madrid boss was unveiled on July 28, the federation published a communiqué detailing a blend of familiar faces and fresh appointments.
Barthez Returns as Goalkeeping Coach, Bettoni Steps Up as First Assistant
Grégory Dupont, who was part of the staff during France’s 2018 World Cup triumph a physical trainer, returns as a “strategy and performance advisor.” Mohamed Sanhadji remains in charge of logistics and security, a role he from 2004 until December 2025. Sanhadji had faced sanctions after receiving a €60,300 gift from Kylianappé following the 2022 World Cup without informing his superiors, leading to early retirement from the national police. However, he remains highly by players and the federation, which recruited him directly to accompany the team to the 2026 World Cup.
Medical Staffhauled
The medical team has undergone significant changes. Franck Le Gall, the team doctor since 2012 whenchamps arrived, has departed. He is replaced by Hervé Collado, who has prior experience working with the French women’s national. The full staff, the communiqué notes, will be completed and presented in its entirety at the beginning of September, as announced during Zane’s introductory press conference.
All appointments were validated by FFF president Philippe Diallo on the recommendation of the new head coach The complete list of staff members is as follows:
