Zinedine Zidane hasn't even managed his first match as head coach of the French national team yet, but his new role already requires a specific security detail. The French Football Federation has put in place a dedicated security service around its new manager , different from the one that accompanied Didier Deschamps and unprecedented in this position. This is due in particular to the exceptional popularity of the 1998 World Cup winner and the crowds that regularly erupt during his public appearances.
The phenomenon was already evident during his official presentation at the FFF headquarters. Fans had gathered outside the building hoping to catch a glimpse of Zidane, with a significant security presence deployed around the Federation. Since then, the former Real Madrid coach has officially taken up his post and unveiled his first squad as head of the French national team.
Zidane's popularity is forcing the French Football Federation to increase his security
Zinedine Zidane holds a unique position in French football. More than twenty years after the 1998 World Cup, his appearances continue to draw crowds, requests for photos, and enthusiastic crowds. This popularity extends far beyond France and significantly alters the constraints associated with the national team coach's role.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has therefore decided to take proactive measures. Zidane will receive specific support during his travels and at times when he is directly exposed to the public. This arrangement is designed to ensure his safety during public appearances, as the former number 10 remains one of the most sought-after French personalities.
Zidane also wants more peace and quiet surrounding the French national team.
This desire to exert greater control over the French national team's environment is also evident in the new coach's initial decisions. For his first training camp at Clairefontaine, Zidane notably eliminated the players' usual parade in front of photographers and cameras upon arrival. The images must now be produced directly by the Federation.
This decision marks the end of the traditional photo op for the national team players upon their arrival at the training center, which over the years had become a veritable spectacle centered around the players' outfits. This change was detailed following the announcement of the end of the French national team's "fashion show" at Clairefontaine.
An unprecedented setup surrounding the new coach
The special protection afforded to Zidane is unprecedented for a French national team coach. Didier Deschamps obviously had security detail when the national team traveled, but his successor will benefit from a system specifically tailored to his high profile.
The difference lies in the phenomenon that accompanies Zidane practically everywhere he goes. His arrival as manager of the French national team transforms every public appearance into a potential incident, with gatherings of supporters much more difficult to control. The Federation therefore wants to avoid a simple trip by the coach causing a complicated situation around him or the team.
First gathering under high surveillance
Zidane will now meet with the players selected for his first training camp at Clairefontaine. Several new faces are included in his initial squad, while Kylian Mbappé retains his role as captain.
Between the changes implemented at Clairefontaine, the new media organization, and the reinforced security measures, Zinédine Zidane is already making his mark on the daily operations of the French national team. His popularity, above all, imposes an additional constraint on the French Football Federation (FFF): protecting a coach whose every trip can immediately draw a massive crowd.
