Zidane still a beacon in La Castellane as France head coach appointment due Tuesday | OneFootball

In Marseille’s La Castellane, the estate where Zidane grew up, he remains an idol even as the area struggles with narcotrafficking. He will be officially named France head coach on Tuesday.

According to Le Progres, the block where he lived until age 14 has been demolished, yet his ties endure. He attended a medical centre opening and sent a video backing FC La Castellane’s U14 before their Coupe de Provence final.

Even children born after his peak still look up to him. Nine-year-old Soudayssi lists him with Kylian Mbappé and says he is proud. Locals say he offers a positive image for a district too often defined by drugs.

Former coach Franck Gomez calls him a model of hard work and recalls his help when he was the club’s honorary president and Farid, his brother, was president. Friends still know him as Yazid and describe him as loyal and modest. The central concourse where he first played has gone, and traders say he keeps out of politics.

Long-time resident Philippe remembers playing with him by the building and trips to the beach. He says the 2006 World Cup headbutt did not surprise him. Others speak of unemployment and claim a La Castellane address can hinder a CV.

In March 2024, Emmanuel Macron launched Place nette XXL operations here against drug dealing. Residents say dealing continues, and despite a 2025 bust of a network said to take up to 100,000 euros a day, the estate is still a hub.

Source: Le Progres