Turkey-France: Zinédine Zidane debuts, but a delay to the anthem

Turkey-France Zinédine Zidane opened his tenure as manager of the France team with a 1-0 victory in Turkey, a feat unseen since Aimé Jacquet in February 1994. The triumph was eclipsed by Kylian Mbappé's injury and a staff delay during the national anthem.

This first win is the first for a French coach to start his tenure with a victory since Aimé Jacquet on 22 February 1994. Zidane recalled his deep respect for the coach who led France to the world title in 1998.

On Friday evening, the Blues won 1-0 in the Nations League on Turkish soil, a victory described as “painful”. Thirty-two years after his first cap, “Zizou” experienced another major career moment.

The euphoria was dampened when Kylian Mbappé was struck on the left knee on his goal and had to return to Madrid, depriving the Blues of a key asset.

Zidane confirms his daring 4‑3‑3 against Turkey

Staff delay during the Marseillaise

While the twenty-two players were lined up, the French staff arrived only a few seconds after the start of the Marseillaise. This minor slip went around social media.

Zidane said at the press conference: “The protocol was faster than expected and unfortunately, I was a little late to the start.” He added that he would have preferred to be present from the first chord.

France celebrates Zidane debut in Nations League, Italy hears whistle

The contrast between this success and these mishaps shows that Zidane’s tenure will be judged both on results and on organisational rigor. The upcoming fixtures will provide an opportunity to confirm or refute this first impression.