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ZIDAINE'S STORY (Zidane and Le Graët)

Kylian Mbappé, one of the world’s most prominent footballers, has expressed outrage at a comment made by (Noël Le Graët)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No%C3%ABl_Le_Gra%C3%AAt, the president of (France’s football federation)FFF, suggesting he would not pick up the phone if former French international (Zinedine Zidane)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinedine_Zidane called him to discuss coaching the national team.

The FFF had recently announced (Didier Deschamps’)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didier_Deschamps contract extension, who, as the current head coach, had led France to a second consecutive World Cup final, where they ultimately lost to Argentina on penalties in Qatar last month. Zidane had previously been a favourite to succeed Deschamps.

Le Graët, when asked about Zidane’s future, responded to RMC: “I don’t give a damn, he can go wherever he wants. I know very well that Zidane was always on the radar. He had a lot of supporters; some were waiting for Deschamps’s departure ... But who can make serious reproaches to Deschamps? Nobody. He Zidane does what he wants; it’s none of my business. I’ve never met him, we’ve never considered parting with Didier. He can go where he wants, to a club ... If Zidane tried to contact me? Certainly not, I wouldn’t even pick up the phone.”

Zidane is a true footballing legend. He was the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row while in charge of Real Madrid, before he retired from management in 2021. He is also well-known for his international success, being a World Cup winner with France in 1998, as well as winning the 2000 European Championship with France in a glittering career.

Mbappé, undoubtedly angered at Le Graët’s dismissive remark,took to Twitter to express his displeasure stating: “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend like that.”

Many others sharing similar opinions came to Zidane’s defense, including France’s minister for sports, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, who tweeted: “Yet more out-of-touch comments and on top of that a shameful lack of respect, which hurts us all, towards a legend of football and sport.” Oudéa-Castéra requested an apology from Le Graët for his behaviour.

Interestingly, two years prior to this incident, Le Graët had publicly backed Zidane to take up the position of head coach. This contrast to Le Graët’s current statement implies a drastic change of opinion and attitude towards the legend.

This story has resonated far and wide, with many taking to social media to show their support for the French great. It is hoped that Le Graët will take the opportunity to learn from his mistakes and make amends to Zidane as well as the footballing community as a whole.