Fabien Barthez Joins French National Team as New Goalkeeper Coach Under Zidane

Fabien Barthez, the 1998 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has been officially appointed as the goalkeeper coach for the French national football team. The French Football Federation announced this on August 13, 2026, confirming Barthez's return to the national team coaching staff under the new head coach Zinédine Zidane.

At 55 years old, Barthez, who earned 87 caps serving France as a goalkeeper, will focus on the specialized training of the national squad's goalkeepers. His appointment had been hinted at by Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, in late July but was only confirmed now. Barthez's presence brings invaluable experience and continuity alongside the new coaching leadership.

Alongside Barthez, Zidane retains David Bettoni, his assistant from Real Madrid, as assistant coach. Grégory Dupont, a member of the 2018 World Cup-winning coaching staff, also returns as a strategy and performance advisor.

The revamped French team is scheduled to gather in September, ahead of their opening fixture in the UEFA Nations League against Turkey on September 25. This fresh coaching lineup, blending past champions and contemporary tactical expertise, aims to steer France toward continued success on the international stage.