Zinedine Zidane given personal bodyguard as federation boosts security
Zidane will have a personal bodyguard and a dedicated security officer after arriving at the federation headquarters on 18 September 2026.
Zinedine Zidane, the newly appointed coach of the France national team, was met by an enthusiastic crowd when he arrived at the French Football Federation headquarters on 18 September 2026. Despite years away from the spotlight, his public standing remains exceptionally high.
In the weeks leading up to his arrival the federation stepped up security planning, concluding that Zidane’s global profile — including his 1998 Ballon d'Or — makes him more exposed in the role than his predecessor, Didier Deschamps.
Enhanced protection for the new coach
As part of the revised measures, Zidane will be provided with a personal bodyguard and a dedicated security officer who is already integrated into the federation’s official headquarters staff. The protection package is intended to cover both day-to-day work at the federation and public appearances tied to the national team.
Federation officials say the approach is not unprecedented: similar tightened arrangements were put in place for Kylian Mbappé during the last FIFA World Cup.
The federation’s staff stressed that the decision was never about fear but about ensuring Zidane can work in peace; “the staff categorically refuses to give in to 'any form of paranoia',” they said.
Photo: press material from the event
