The France national football team reported to Clairefontaine on Monday as legendary playmaker Zinédine Zidane took charge of his first squad gathering as head coach.
Zidane welcomed the 23-man squad selected for a schedule of four upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, stepping into the role after Didier Deschamps ended his 14-year tenure at the helm of Les Bleus.
The Centre National du Football at Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, located south-west of Paris, has served as the official training base for the French Football Federation since 1988. Deschamps had managed the national side since 2012, leading France to World Cup victory in 2018, before handing responsibility to Zidane, who starred for the national team wearing the number 10 shirt.
Midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery was unable to join the squad due to injury. Maghnes Akliouche was called up to take his place in the group.
Stade Rennais forward Esteban Lepaul was the first player to arrive at the château on Monday morning. Lepaul, who has made a strong start to the domestic season with Rennes, completed his maiden walk up the steps at Clairefontaine wearing an understated black outfit.
Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise arrived wearing a relaxed outfit accessorised with a cap and sunglasses. The understated look contrasted with the traditional Lederhosen attire associated with Bayern Munich during Oktoberfest celebrations.
Arrivals at Clairefontaine
Barcelona defender Jules Koundé, widely regarded as the team fashion authority, maintained his personal style for the meeting with the new manager. Koundé selected an orange top coordinated with a matching bag.
Attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki caught attention upon arrival wearing a sleeveless vest and 2000s-style sunglasses following his move to Manchester.
Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga arrived wearing an orange ensemble paired with a cap. His arrival echoed a notable moment from former international Thierry Henry regarding maintaining position on the pitch.
Squad updates and defensive changes
Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert, who has previously represented France, arrived in a sober outfit. Truffert enters the camp with an opportunity to secure a role on the left side of defense in the absence of Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, and Lucas Digne.
Real Madrid captain Kylian Mbappé arrived at the facility in an immaculate light blue outfit. Mbappé, who recently changed kit sponsors from Nike to ON, joined up with the national squad following a derby defeat against Atlético Madrid.
Désiré Doué was the sole member of the squad to select shorts for his arrival at Clairefontaine, opting for a lighter look suited to the mild temperatures.
Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konaté chose a formal suit jacket and tie while carrying his luggage into the building, presenting a structured appearance.
Como goalkeeper Jean Butez arrived at Clairefontaine after receiving a call-up from Zidane to cover for the injured Robin Risser. Dressed in a tailored outfit, Butez joins Mike Maignan and Guillaume Restes to complete the three-man goalkeeping group for the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
