Zidane set to be officially named France head coach, press conference at FFF headquarters

The Z Day

"He's back"! Remember the iconic headline from L'Équipe when Zinédine Zidane returned to the France national team before the 2006 World Cup? History repeats itself almost 21 years later — but this time in the role of head coach.

The French Football Federation (FFF) is set to announce Didier Deschamps' successor, and it will be Zizou. A press conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the federation's headquarters to inaugurate and present Zinédine Zidane, giving the former Real Madrid coach the opportunity to address the media for the first time as France's national team manager.

"Generation Z," adds L'Équipe. We waited a long time, but here it is: Zidane is finally where he always wanted to be, at the helm of Les Bleus.

Keeping the secret during all these months of negotiations was difficult, especially since there was no other real option for FFF president Philippe Diallo. Zinédine Zidane always seemed like the natural successor to Didier Deschamps — an obvious choice for everyone, particularly since the main man himself turned down a host of offers since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, with the sole aim of waiting for the national team job.

The first day of his new life begins today. Even though Zidane remains the same charismatic yet shy character, the FFF has gone all out: a blue carpet for the occasion, 120 accredited journalists and photographers. It will be hard to miss a single detail of the grand presentation of France's most famous bald man — even though Zinédine Zidane himself would have preferred a simple press release to avoid the media frenzy.

Chelsea Dips into the Old Guard

Chelsea and Xabi Alonso are targeting Danny Welbeck. A surprise move for the Blues, as the former Arsenal player is 35 years old, but he is coming off his best statistical season.

Xabi Alonso wants to bring in Danny Welbeck to mentor his squad, especially the young João Pedro, whom he knows from their time together at Brighton. Welbeck isn't exactly the typical profile of a player who signs for Chelsea, but Xabi Alonso has chosen him, and the deal is progressing well. This could already push Emmanuel Emegha toward an exit, as he hasn't played a single match for Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is also interested in Jordan Henderson, 36, who was still an England international this summer during the World Cup. The former Liverpool captain could be released by Brentford, and once again, it's an experienced player Xabi Alonso wants to strengthen the midfield.

At the same time, Xabi Alonso is very happy with the arrival of Morgan Rogers — "the player who was missing" according to him. The Spanish coach already has a clear idea of how to line him up alongside his friend Cole Palmer.

Yan Diomandé: Express Trajectory

On the verge of joining Real Madrid for nearly €120 million, Yan Diomandé has experienced two completely crazy seasons.

Just 1 year and 5 months ago, Yan Diomandé played his first match in Europe with Leganés — on Real Madrid's turf. A few months later, RB Leipzig took the risk of investing €20 million in raw talent without real references. That gamble paid off, as the Saxon club is set to recoup €120 million just one year later.

Yan Diomandé knows Spain, and we remember him. Borja Jiménez, Leganés' coach at the time and now at Al-Ahli in Qatar, witnessed Diomandé's arrival, as he explained in Marca:

"I discovered Yan through an amateur video on YouTube that Jeff Luhnow, Leganés' owner, showed me. He was about 16 and attended one of the club's training centers in the United States. Jeff told me, 'We have the new Messi,' and I was stunned by what this kid could do."