Witsel reveals youthful idol Zidane before clash with France

In an open interview with RMC Sports, former Red Devil Axel Witsel explains how, as a child, he followed almost every match of France, with the 1998 World Cup as an unforgettable reference point, and why Zinedine Zidane remained his idol for years.

End of 140‑cap career

Witsel, who wore the Belgian shirt a total of 140 times, put an end to his spell with the Red Devil in September. He spoke in the lead‑up to the France‑Belgium clash about his special bond with Les Bleus. The tension is high ahead of the Monday night match. The match is scheduled for Monday evening.

Youthful idol Zidane

‘When I was little, I supported France,’ Witsel recalls during the interview. Together with his father he often watched the matches of Les Bleus, especially around the 1998 World Cup, and said: ‘We saw almost every match. That’s why Zinedine Zidane was my idol.’

Zidane was not the only French star who impressed the Liège native. Witsel also mentioned Thierry Henry, who between 2016 and 2018 was part of Roberto Martínez’s coaching staff at the Red Devil. ‘I have been fortunate to have him as a coach for Belgium,’ said the ex‑midfielder.

Today Zinedine Zidane is the head coach of France, the opponent of Belgium on Monday evening. Witsel explained that playing against France has always been special, but that if he had to support one side, he would of course choose Belgium. ‘France remains an opponent with an extra dimension,’ he laughed.

Interestingly, Witsel could theoretically have ended up playing for France as well. His father Thierry Witsel was born in Martinique, a French overseas territory, which would have allowed the French Football Federation to approach him. Witsel says the decision would never have been difficult, because he was born in Liège, received his training at Standard and always chose Belgium.

With his candid revelation, Witsel shows how personal admiration can transcend borders in international football. His story underscores the enduring appeal of French top‑flight to players from other nations, even when they later face each other as opponents.