Ireland U19 Overview

Zinedine Zidane formally launched his tenure in charge of France on Monday by conducting his inaugural training session at Clairefontaine. Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix could not hide his admiration after stepping onto the pitch alongside the legendary former playmaker as Les Bleus kick off a UEFA Nations League campaign this autumn.

Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has moved to dismiss suggestions of a growing rift between himself and France team-mate Ousmane Dembele. The two forwards are set to go head-to-head for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, but Mbappe insists their friendship remains intact despite the high-stakes individual competition.

Kylian Mbappe has expressed his delight at reuniting with Zinedine Zidane, describing the appointment of the new France national team coach as a cinematic moment. The pair first met when the former midfielder invited a young Mbappe to trial at Real Madrid over a decade ago, and they will now work together following the departure of Didier Deschamps.

Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki has expressed his excitement ahead of Zinedine Zidane’s highly anticipated debut as France manager. The 23-year-old is relishing the opportunity to link up with the legendary coach during the international break.