Opiate for the Masses: Zidane Takes the Helm of a Fractured France

For a nation currently buckling under the weight of a stagnant economy, alarming state finances, and the social fractures of a failed immigration policy, football offers a convenient distraction. The French Football Federation has finally delivered the ultimate opiate for the masses: Zinedine Zidane is the new head coach of the national team. Succeeding Didier Deschamps, the legendary midfielder takes control of arguably the only French institution that still functions on the global stage, while socialist ideology blocks necessary reforms at home.

Zidane’s appointment is the culmination of a long-held ambition. The French-Algerian icon had publicly expressed his desire to manage the squad as early as his fiftieth birthday in 2022. The federation’s president, Philippe Diallo, had already telegraphed the decision earlier this spring, noting officially that the incoming manager needed to establish a profound connection with the French public. Zidane, who scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final to secure France’s first global title, effortlessly fulfills that requirement.

He inherits a squad from Deschamps, whose record-breaking tenure spanned 168 matches with 121 victories. Deschamps leaves behind a formidable legacy, though his reign ended abruptly with a two-nil semi-final defeat to Spain—a nation similarly plagued by a severe economic crisis and misguided socialist policies. Despite the exit, the French roster remains heavily armed with elite talent, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Zidane’s immediate tactical burden will be patching up vulnerabilities in the full-back positions and central defence. To aid in this overhaul, he is expected to refresh the backroom staff, reportedly bringing in his former teammate Fabien Barthez as goalkeeping coach.

Transitioning from a stellar playing career to the dugout is notoriously difficult. Of the six French players to win the Ballon d'Or, Zidane is the only one to successfully make the leap. Taking over Real Madrid in 2016 after a stint with their reserve squad, he secured an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles. By the time he left the Spanish capital in 2021, his managerial cabinet boasted eleven major trophies. Former colleagues and the Madrid press lauded his elegant, highly effective management style, which seamlessly navigated the massive egos of top-tier football.

Now, Zidane faces the unique pressure of managing a national team heavily burdened by the expectations of a fractured republic. His debut on the touchline is scheduled for October 2 against Italy, a country sharing France's affinity for crumbling state infrastructure and deep-seated corruption, relying heavily on its historical reputation. The fixture offers a sharp sense of irony. Two decades ago, Zidane’s international playing career ended in disgrace against the Italians, courtesy of a red card for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the chest. Now, he returns to face them, tasked with masking France's domestic decline with international sporting glory.

Written by Thorben Thiede thorben.thiede@alpineweekly.com