Playing Under Zidane For France Is ‘Like A Film’ – Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has described Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as France coach as a “film” moment, recalling his first encounter with the French football legend as a teenager.

Zidane will take charge of Les Bleus for the first time on Friday when France face Turkey in the Nations League in Izmit, having succeeded Didier Deschamps as head coach.

Mbappe revealed that his relationship with Zidane dates back more than a decade to a trial for Real Madrid’s youth academy.

“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.”
Zidane’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for France following Deschamps’ 14-year spell in charge.

Deschamps’ tenure ended after France were beaten by Spain in the World Cup semi-finals in July, with Zidane now tasked with preparing the two-time world champions for Euro 2028.

France will begin their preparations with four Nations League matches during the expanded international break, facing Turkey, Belgium twice and Italy at the Stade de France.

“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.

“It’s a new era with a new coach. We have the Nations League coming up, four games, and we’ll see how they go.

“It’s going to be new for everyone because all we’ve known is Deschamps. It’s going to be a change for us, but I think everything is going to go very well.”

Mbappe has also made a strong start to the season with Real Madrid, scoring eight goals in his first eight appearances in all competitions.

However, the France captain was unable to find the net in Sunday’s 2-1 derby defeat by Atletico Madrid, a result which left Madrid six points behind reigning LaLiga champions Barcelona.

With Jose Mourinho back at the Santiago Bernabeu and tasked with ending a two-season wait for major silverware, Mbappe acknowledged that Madrid must improve if they are to challenge for trophies.

“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,” he said.

Mourinho criticised the refereeing after the defeat, but Mbappe declined to join the debate.

“I have my thoughts, but I keep them to myself. I’ve never been that kind of player and I’m not going to start now,” he said.

“The referee is human and makes mistakes, and there were mistakes, but I don’t want to get into that.”