Zinedine Zidane to receive enhanced security as France manager

Zinedine Zidane will be given significantly greater security protection than his predecessor Didier Deschamps received as France manager, according to L’Equipe.

The French Football Federation has discussed tailored arrangements for Zidane in recent weeks because of the huge public interest surrounding him. Like Kylian Mbappe during the World Cup, Zidane will have a personal bodyguard as well as an additional security officer.

The intense public fascination with Zidane over several decades has previously meant that his movements had to be restricted or planned carefully in advance. However, officials do not want to respond with excessive anxiety or exaggerated security concerns.

Zidane has also instructed that journalists and photographers should not wait for players when they arrive at the training camp. The new France manager wants greater control over his squad’s exposure to cameras, an issue that had previously caused controversy because of footballers’ appearances.

Benzema and Kante left out

Zidane has confirmed that Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante will not return to the France squad.

Kante was included in France’s squad for the most recent World Cup, but the coaching set-up has since changed, with Deschamps leaving his position and Zidane taking over.

There had been reports that Zidane’s appointment could open the door for Benzema, 38, to return. The striker’s last France call-up came for the 2022 World Cup, although he withdrew with an injury shortly before the tournament began.

“I love Karim, but he is at a certain age, and so is N’Golo Kante,” Zidane told reporters.

“I respect Benzema’s career, but now I need to see younger players. That does not in any way diminish what he achieved with his clubs and the national team.”

Kante has won 69 international caps for France and is unlikely to add to that total.

Zidane has also named Real Madrid forward Mbappe as his captain.

“Mbappe, the Real Madrid striker, will be my captain for France. He is the best player in the world,” Zidane said at a news conference.

France are preparing for four international fixtures against Turkey, Belgium twice and Italy.

France squad announced

Zidane’s first squad for the European Championship matches excludes Malo Gusto of Chelsea, Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid, Kante of Fenerbahce and Lucas Hernandez of Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah and Como midfielder Luca da Cunha have received their first call-ups. Adrien Truffert of Bournemouth returns after four years away from the France squad, while Andy Diouf has been recalled after last appearing for the national team in 2024. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga also returns after missing the 2026 World Cup.

France’s squad is:

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (Milan), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse), Robin Risser (Lens).

Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid), Jules Kounde (Barcelona), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich).

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Luca da Cunha (Como), Manu Kone (Roma), Adrien Rabiot (Milan), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich).