Fabien Barthez reunited with Zinedine Zidane as France’s new goalkeeper coach

By: The Associated Press Posted: 5:13 AM CDT Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

PARIS (AP) — France coach Zinedine Zidane reunited with Fabien Barthez after he was named the national team's new goalkeeper coach on Thursday.

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PARIS (AP) — France coach Zinedine Zidane reunited with Fabien Barthez after he was named the national team's new goalkeeper coach on Thursday.

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PARIS (AP) — France coach Zinedine Zidane reunited with Fabien Barthez after he was named the national team’s new goalkeeper coach on Thursday.

Zidane was hired as coach last month on a four-year deal.

Zidane and Barthez played together when France won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

FILE - French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez warms up before a charity match between Olympique Marseille soccer team and a team of Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, in Monaco stadium. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau, File)

Barthez appeared 87 times for France and his last game was the 2006 World Cup final, where Zidane was sent off in extra time for headbutting defender Marco Materazzi.

The 55-year-old Barthez played for Toulouse, Marseille, Manchester United and Monaco during his career.

Zidane chose David Bettoni as his assistant coach on Thursday when France’s backroom staff was revealed.

Bettoni was Zidane’s assistant coach at Real Madrid, where Zidane guided the Spanish club to three straight Champions League titles from 2016-18.