Former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is reportedly set to be offered a role on Zinedine Zidane's coaching staff when the Real Madrid legend becomes France's head coach, according to L'Equipe.
France's World Cup campaign ends with bronze
The 2026 World Cup is nearing its conclusion, with the final set for Sunday between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey. France reached the semi-finals but lost 2-0 to Spain, then fell 6-4 to England in the third-place play-off on Saturday night to secure the bronze medal. That match in Miami is widely expected to have been Didier Deschamps's final game as France head coach, with Zidane the favourite to take over.
Barthez emerges as goalkeeper coach candidate
L'Equipe reports that Barthez has emerged as a contender to join Zidane's coaching team as a goalkeeper coach. It remains unclear when France will officially confirm Zidane as manager, with speculation suggesting an announcement could come next week or the following week.
Barthez's Manchester United and France legacy
Barthez spent four years at Old Trafford from 2000 to 2004, winning two Premier League titles. He previously won the World Cup with France in 1998, two years before moving to Manchester. The Frenchman made 139 appearances for United after joining from Monaco for £7.8 million, a British record fee for a goalkeeper at the time. After a brief loan spell with Marseille at the end of the 2003/04 season, he joined the Ligue 1 club permanently the following summer.
Potential first matches for new coaching staff
If Zidane and Barthez are confirmed, their first match could be on September 25 against Turkey in the Nations League, followed by an away trip to Belgium on September 28. Zidane's first home game as France boss might then be on October 2 against Italy, before facing Belgium again on October 5.
