France head coach Zinedine Zidane has reunited with former teammate Fabien Barthez after the 1998 World Cup winner was appointed the national team’s new goalkeeper coach.

Zidane, who was named France coach last month on a four-year contract, has brought Barthez into his backroom staff as he begins preparations for his tenure with Les Bleus.

The former Real Madrid midfielder replaced Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane, Barthez reunite

Zidane and Barthez were key members of the France team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil.

The pair also played together when France lifted the European Championship two years later in 2000.

Their reunion brings together two members of one of the most successful generations in French football history.

Barthez returns to France setup

Barthez earned 87 international caps for France and remained the team’s first-choice goalkeeper during several major tournaments.

His final appearance for the national team came in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, a match remembered for Zidane’s extra-time dismissal after he headbutted Italy defender Marco Materazzi.

Barthez went on to conclude his playing career after spells with Toulouse, Marseille, Monaco and Manchester United.

The former goalkeeper will now work alongside Zidane as France prepare for the next phase of their international campaign.