Mbappe Says Playing Under Zidane for France Is “Like a Film”

France captain Kylian Mbappe has described the prospect of working under Zinedine Zidane as the national team’s head coach as a moment that feels “like a film.”

Zidane is preparing to take charge of France for the first time after replacing Didier Deschamps, who ended his 14-year spell as manager following France’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

For Mbappe, the reunion with Zidane carries a special meaning because the two first crossed paths when the forward was still a teenager hoping to make his way into professional football.

Mbappe recalled that Zidane personally picked him up and took him to Real Madrid’s training complex when he was around 13 or 14 years old during a trial with the club’s youth academy.

“Now he’s my national team coach. It’s like a film, but it’s amazing. It’s real.”

The relationship between the two French football figures has therefore come full circle, with Zidane now responsible for coaching Mbappe at international level.

Zidane’s appointment begins a new chapter for France after Deschamps’ lengthy tenure. Mbappe acknowledged that the transition will be significant because the players have been accustomed to working under Deschamps for many years.

“We’re starting a new process with France,” Mbappe said, adding that the team has two years to prepare for the European Championship.

France’s first competitive assignment under Zidane is scheduled against Turkey in the Nations League. The team will also face Belgium and Italy as part of its preparations for Euro 2028.

Mbappe has also retained the France captaincy under Zidane, continuing in the leadership role he has held with Les Bleus.

The Real Madrid forward has started the new club season strongly, scoring eight goals in his first eight appearances across competitions, although he was unable to score in Real Madrid’s recent 2-1 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.

With Zidane now at the helm of the French national team, Mbappe will be among the key players expected to lead France through a new phase ahead of Euro 2028.