Full Breakdown
Zidane Appoints Former World Cup Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez as France Goalkeeping Coach
8/14/2026, 4:08:14 AM
Core Appointment
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced that former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, 55, has been named the national team’s goalkeeping coach. The appointment was revealed on the same day that head coach Zinedine Zidane’s backroom staff was made public.
Coaching Team Overview
Zidane’s staff now includes David Bettoni as assistant coach—Bettoni previously served alongside Zidane at Real Madrid—along with Amido Msaydi, Gregory Dupont, Stéphane Plancque, Farid Tabet and Clément Huber. Barthez’s addition completes a nine-member technical team that will prepare Les Bleus for upcoming competitions.
Shared History and Achievements
Both Zidane and Barthez were integral to France’s golden generation, winning the 1998 World Cup on home soil and the Euro 2000 championship. Barthez earned 87 caps for France, with his final appearance coming in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, a match remembered for Zidane’s red card after head-butting Marco Materazzi. At club level, Barthez won the UEFA Champions League with Marseille, two Premier League titles with Manchester United, and two Ligue 1 crowns with Monaco.
Barthez’s Career Statistics
- 87 international appearances for France.
- Club career highlights: Toulouse, Olympique de Marseille, AS Monaco, Manchester United.
- Major trophies: World Cup (1998), European Championship (2000), UEFA Champions League (1993), English Premier League (1999, 2000), Ligue 1 (2000, 2002).
Upcoming Nations League Match
France’s first competitive fixture under Zidane’s leadership is scheduled for 25 September, when Les Bleus travel to face Turkey in the opening round of the Nations League group stage. The match will serve as the debut for the newly assembled coaching team, including Barthez in his inaugural coaching role.
