Beckenbauer’s rare feat sets the bar as Zidane begins with France in Türkiye | OneFootball

Franz Beckenbauer is the only Ballon d'Or winner to have delivered a major title as a national team coach, a benchmark as Zinédine Zidane begins his career in the France dugout in Türkiye on Friday at 20:45.

According to L'Équipe, the debate over whether the greatest players become top managers, and how genius can be taught, is as old as football.

In Zidane’s case, the enigma feels lighter, his three straight Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 securing him a place among Europe’s leading coaches.

Even so, his top-level stint on the touchline has so far lasted fewer than five seasons.

Beckenbauer’s benchmark came in 1990, when he guided Germany to the world title, a singular precedent that frames the fascination around Zidane’s step into international management.

Source: L'Équipe

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