The prospect of playing under Zinedine Zidane with France this week will be a new beginning for Mbappe Zidane, as Kylian Mbappe stated that “it’s like something out of a movie.” For the first time since the French international break this time round, the two football icons will cooperate during the closing moments of their spell in charge of the national team.The two icons of French football will play together for the first time since the international break this time around, when Zidane replaced Didier Deschamps as France coach.
The former Real Madrid manager is making a comeback to the dugout after five seasons off. Mbappe has been associated with Zidane for a long time, dating back to his childhood. The France captain remembered watching how Zidane could help him get to know Real Madrid when he was just 13 years or 14 years old and taking him to the Real Madrid’s training camp. “Years ago he was the first to pick me up and take me to Real Madrid; the training centre,” Mbappe told Spanish newspaper AS.
“Now that he’s my national team coach, it’s like a movie.” Zidane has already announced that Mbappe will continue to lead the France team, further solidifying the role of a leader in a squad that is entering a new phase. Mbappe previously called Zidane the player that represents the French national team the best and in doing so has made a lasting impact on French football. Zidane was the captain of France at the World Cup 98 and is one of the most popular players in the nation’s football.
Mbappe’s move also marks a major shake-up for France after a string of four-and-a-half decades under Deschamps. Born in Paris, the forward admitted that it will be a different period for the generation who had one manager, but said the new one will be a positive one. It is a new phase, a new coach, said Mbappe. “It’s going to be a new experience for all of us.” Zidane’s debut is in the Nations League against Turkey on Friday. France will then be next for Belgium and Italy as their new man starts to build his squad and strategy.
