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SportsZidane appointed France coach: racism around national team must be fought
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During his official presentation as the coach of the French national team at the FFF headquarters in Paris on July 28, 2026, Zinedine Zidane addressed the persistent issue of racist attacks targeting Les Bleus players. He referenced recent incidents, including a chant by Argentine players relayed by Enzo Fernandez during the 2024 Copa America and violent attacks by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappé during the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, born in Marseille to Algerian parents, emphasized France's diversity and his personal experience growing up in the La Castellane neighborhood, where there was room for everyone. He stated that everyone is a human being and that racism must be fought, expressing his desire to combat the xenophobic context surrounding the team.
Source report
During his official presentation as head coach of Les Bleus on Monday at the headquarters of the French Football Federation (FFF), Zinédine Zidane voiced his commitment to combating the racist attacks that have increasingly targeted players of the French national team.
A History of Abuse
For years, members of the French national team have been subjected to racist comments—both on social media and in public settings—including abhorrent remarks, animal comparisons, and repeated insults. Critics have frequently targeted players' African origins, questioning their French identity.
Recent incidents include:
- A nauseating chant by Argentine players, relayed by Enzo Fernandez during the 2024 Copa America
- Violent attacks from Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla against Kylian Mbappé during the 2026 World Cup, to which Mbappé responded
Zidane's Response
Asked about the xenophobic climate surrounding Les Bleus, Zidane addressed the issue during his press conference at the FFF headquarters in Paris.
"We may not change things, but what I want to say is that we are in a beautiful country, with this diversity," said the 54-year-old coach, who was born in Marseille to Algerian parents from Kabylia.
"I grew up in a neighborhood (La Castellane) where there was room for everyone. And my life is that, being able to interact with everyone. We are all human beings and we must fight racism in any case. That's what we all try to do, each in our own way."
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Zidane Calls for Fighting Racism Around French National Team During Presentation as Coach