{
  "id": 9058277,
  "title": "Zidane begins France tenure with attacking football in mind",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/zidane-begins-france-tenure-with-attacking-football-in-mind",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T01:52:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/sports/2026/09/22/zidane-begins-france-tenure-with-attacking-football-in-mind/236061"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Zinedine Zidane has taken charge of the France national football team for the first time, ushering in an era of attacking football. At the age of 54, Zidane, widely regarded as one of France's greatest players, will lead Les Bleus in a UEFA Nations League match in Turkey. Zidane's playing career spanned over two decades, during which he mesmerized audiences with his playmaking abilities and goal-scoring prowess. He notably lost the 2006 World Cup final to Italy in extra time after a controversial headbutt on Marco Materazzi. After retiring from international football, Zidane spent years coaching Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles before venturing into management at the club level. Now, as France's new coach, Zidane has unveiled his preliminary squad, which features fresh faces and maintains the attacking spirit that France fans have come to expect. Zidane's assistant manager is David Bettoni, while Fabien Barthez will serve as the goalkeeping coach. France's first task under Zidane will be the Nations League, followed by the World Cup in 2030.",
  "summary": "PARIS, Sept 22 — Zinedine Zidane spent years patiently waiting in the wings for his chance to manage France and on...",
  "key_points": [
    "Zinedine Zidane begins France tenure with attacking football focus",
    "54-year-old former star leads Les Bleus in UEFA Nations League",
    "Zidane's squad includes new faces, maintains attacking spirit"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Zidane's appointment marks a shift towards an era of attacking football for France, maintaining the spirit that fans have come to expect and potentially changing the team's dynamic.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}