Zinédine Zidane cites shared goalkeeping vision in Fabien Barthez appointment

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·18 September 2026

Zinédine Zidane has framed Fabien Barthez’s appointment as France’s goalkeeping coach around a shared philosophy.

As reported by L'Équipe, the France head coach outlined his reasoning at a Friday press conference held alongside the unveiling of his first squad.

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He said the choice may have surprised some of the public, but that the pair are aligned on what a goalkeeper should be.

Zidane, now in charge of France, highlighted his connection with his 1998 team-mate, stressing they speak the same football.

He added that Barthez’s extraordinary experience will improve France’s goalkeepers.

Source: L'Équipe

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”