The countdown has begun for Zinédine Zidane. After fourteen years under Didier Deschamps, the former France number 10 is set to take the reins of the France national team. Whilst a few administrative details remain to be finalised, the future manager already has a very clear idea of the revolution he wishes to bring about.
The handover is drawing near. After fourteen years at the helm of the French national team, Didier Deschamps will lead his final match against England on Saturday, in the third-place play-off of the 2026 World Cup. Behind him, a new era is set to begin with Zinédine Zidane. With no real suspense for several months, or even years, the former Real Madrid manager is expected to succeed ‘DD’, having turned down all other offers in order to keep alive his dream of one day taking the reins of Les Bleus.
Although his contract has not yet been signed, only a few formalities remain. According to RMC Sport, the FFF is keen to finalise the matter before 21 July, the date on which the new law on the governance of French sport is due to come into force. This law sets an annual gross salary cap of 450,000 euros for the highest-paid officials in the federations, unless an exemption is granted by the Ministry of Sport. To avoid any administrative complications, the Federation therefore wants to have Zidane sign before the law comes into force. Minister Marina Ferrari has, however, already given the go-ahead for an exemption. The former Les Bleus playmaker is thus expected to earn 300,000 euros per month excluding bonuses, a salary that could reach 450,000 euros per month when the various bonuses are taken into account.
Zidane wants to bring more women into the French national team’s coaching staff
But beyond contractual issues, it is above all on the sporting front that Zidane is preparing a real break with the past. According to RMC Sport, the future manager intends to break with the practices established over the last fourteen years by putting in place an unprecedented coaching set-up. His idea is to rely on a particularly large coaching staff, which could number more than… 25 people! A first in the history of the French national team. A decision that would inevitably represent a significant investment for the Federation, but which demonstrates Zinédine Zidane’s determination to leave nothing to chance.
Another significant decision: Zinédine Zidane wants to place much greater emphasis on performance analysis and statistical data. The former Real Madrid manager aims to strengthen Les Bleus’ ‘data’ department. That’s not all: the former Bordeaux player wants to bring more women into his coaching staff, particularly in these specialist roles. Whilst several members of the 1998 World Cup-winning squad, such as Fabien Barthez, are regularly mentioned as potential additions to his staff, no names have yet been officially confirmed. One thing is certain: Zidane wants to make his mark right from the start of his tenure.
Strasbourg pips Benfica to the post and is set to sign a €20m recruit
Just as Benfica thought they had secured their new defensive signing, Strasbourg pulled off a major coup. The Alsatian club has persuaded Ibrahima Ba to move to Alsace thanks to Hugo Oliveira and is set to finalise a transfer estimated at €20 million, pipping the Portuguese giants to the post.
It looks set to be a particularly busy summer for Strasbourg. Having handed the managerial reins to Hugo Oliveira, who arrived from Famalicão, Racing are set to carry out a major overhaul of their squad. Emanuel Emegha has already joined Chelsea, whilst Julio Enciso and Diego Moreira are attracting interest from other clubs. To remain competitive, the Alsatian club must therefore strengthen their squad quickly, particularly in defence.
With this in mind, Hugo Oliveira had recommended two players from the Portuguese league, which he knows inside out: Bastien Meupiyou (FC Alverca) and, above all, Ibrahima Ba (Famalicão). And according to reports in *Record*, Strasbourg have finally made their decision by stepping up their pursuit of the Senegalese defender from Famalicão. Racing have even managed to beat Benfica to the punch, despite the fact that Benfica had made the player their top priority to replace António Silva, who has left for Bournemouth.
A solid defender for 20 million
According to the Portuguese media outlet, Benfica had believed they were well placed to secure the deal. The Lisbon club even attempted a last-ditch gamble by sending Marco Silva to personally convince Ibrahima Ba to join the Eagles, outlining the role that awaited him in the squad. To no avail. The 21-year-old defender had already made up his mind, preferring to reunite with Hugo Oliveira, the manager who launched his professional career at Famalicão and guided his development.
This move will bring in a substantial sum for the Portuguese club. According to Record, Strasbourg will pay 20 million euros to secure the services of Ibrahima Ba. Famalicão will also retain 15 per cent of any future capital gain should he be sold on. This is a significant investment for Racing, which sends a strong signal about its ambitions by signing one of the Portuguese league’s rising stars, whilst pipping Benfica to the post. The young Senegalese player made 24 appearances last season (1 goal and 1 assist).
