Mbappe Calls Zidane as France Coach ‘Like a Film’ After 15-Year Journey

Kylian Mbappe has described the prospect of playing under Zinedine Zidane for France as “like a film” after the former Real Madrid manager took charge of the national team.

Zidane replaced Didier Deschamps as France coach and is set to begin his tenure when Les Bleus face Turkey in the Nations League in Izmit on Friday. For Mbappe, the appointment carries a personal significance dating back to his teenage years.

Mbappe recalled meeting Zidane when he was just 13 or 14 during a trial with Real Madrid’s youth teams. He said Zidane was the person who first took him to the club’s training complex during that period.

“He was the first person who picked me up to take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex. I was 13 or 14, so it was a long time ago,” Mbappe told Spanish newspaper AS.

“Now he’s my national team coach. It’s like a film, but it’s amazing. It’s real.”

France are entering a new era after Deschamps ended his 14-year spell in charge following the team’s disappointing World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain in July. The two-time world champions will use their upcoming Nations League fixtures to begin preparations for Euro 2028.

France are scheduled to face Turkey, Belgium twice and Italy during the expanded international break. Mbappe said the squad understands that the transition from Deschamps to Zidane will require adjustment after years under the former coach.

“We’re starting a new process with France. We have two years to prepare for the European Championship and that’s what we’re focused on now,” Mbappe said.

The Real Madrid forward has made a strong start to the new season, scoring eight goals in eight appearances across all competitions, although he failed to score in Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat by Atletico Madrid.

Mbappe said Real Madrid must respond to the setback as they attempt to challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title. Madrid are already six points behind the reigning champions, while manager Jose Mourinho has called for greater consistency and success.

“Other people can talk, but we have to do more and work to bring the excitement back to Real Madrid and bring the trophies back,” Mbappe said.

The France captain also declined to publicly criticise the referee over the derby defeat, despite acknowledging that mistakes had been made. “The referee is human and makes mistakes, and there were mistakes, but I don’t want to get into that,” he said.