The 55-year-old was unveiled as part of Zidane’s new coaching staff on Thursday, August 13, following the former Real Madrid manager’s appointment as successor to Didier Deschamps as France head coach.
Barthez will oversee the national team’s goalkeepers, replacing Franck Raviot, as France begins preparations for Euro 2028, which will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
The appointment reunites two members of France’s celebrated golden generation. Barthez and Zidane played key roles in Les Bleus’ triumph at the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil before helping the team win the European Championship in 2000.
Their friendship has continued since their playing days, with the former teammates regularly reuniting at events involving France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad and charity matches.
Barthez earned 87 caps for France and became the team’s first-choice goalkeeper shortly after Euro 1996. He remained in the position until his international retirement in 2006.
He is also remembered by Manchester United supporters after Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Monaco in 2000. Barthez spent four seasons at Old Trafford, making 139 appearances and winning two Premier League titles.
Zidane has also brought another familiar face into his coaching setup, with David Bettoni joining the staff after previously working alongside him during both of his spells as Real Madrid manager.
Hamidou Msaidie, Gregory Dupont, Stephane Plancque, Farid Tabet and Clement Ybert complete Zidane’s technical team.
France’s first test under Zidane is scheduled for September 25, when they travel to Turkey in the Nations League.
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