France’s football leaders have proposed to seek ways to transform how Fifa is run after its national association became the latest to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino’s presidency. On Thursday, the French Football Federation (FFF) followed England, Italy, Republic of Ireland and Scotland in withdrawing support for Infantino over his aborted plan to sell stakes … Read more
When Tony Cascarino called time on his 12-year spell in English football to join Marseille in 1994, his career had already taken plenty of twists and turns. The Republic of Ireland striker was 31 years old when he made the move to France, and as he joined Marseille in a turbulent time in the club’s … Read more
England defender Lucy Bronze says a Uefa boycott of Fifa competitions would be the “right thing” for the future of the game, despite the impact it could have on women’s football. “I think the players who play in those competitions, the European players, we stand by our beliefs and what the right thing is for … Read more
Patrick has spent the last three weeks following the Tour de France with our friends from Escape Collective. This post was originally published on Escape Collective on July 27. Defector readers can now get a six-month free trial of Escape Collective, with ad-free and independent coverage that goes beyond the Tour de France. Claim the … Read more
In September, the France national team will have a new face on the touchline for the first time in 14 years. By the time the appointment was announced on Tuesday morning, it had long been an open secret that Zinedine Zidane would succeed Didier Deschamps this summer. Talks between the former Real Madrid manager and … Read more
Moments after being announced as France’s new coach on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane clenched his fists and his usually measured voice trembled a little. “I’m excited,” he said. “The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.” Zidane coached Real Madrid until leaving in 2021. He replaces Didier Deschamps at the helm … Read more
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as France’s new head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps at the helm of the team he led to glory as arguably their greatest ever player. The French football federation president, Philippe Diallo, announced Zidane’s appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, saying he has been given a four-year contract. … Read more
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the head coach of the France national team. Didier Deschamps, France’s longest-serving manager, ended his 14-year stint in charge after the nation’s semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management … Read more
Former France international Karim Benzema has offered his total institutional and personal backing for Zinedine Zidane ahead of his expected appointment as head coach of Les Bleus. The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner labeled his former Real Madrid boss a true “legend” and a “big brother”. Benzema Rolls Out The Red Carpet For ‘Big Brother’ Benzema … Read more
France captain Kylian Mbappé has reached out to the nation with a deeply personal open letter following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar expressed his gratitude to the supporters and his teammates while reflecting on a tournament that ended in heartbreak for the Bleus in North America. Mbappé Reflects On … Read more