Defender Maxence Lacroix says he feels immense pride training alongside French legend Zinedine Zidane at the national academy, marking the start of a new era for Les Bleus.
Defender Maxence Lacroix revealed a surge of pride after joining former World Cup star Zinedine Zidane on the training pitches at Clairefontaine, France’s historic football academy. Lacroix said the experience felt like moving from watching Zidane on television to learning directly from the legend, underscoring the personal significance of the encounter (source [1]).
Zidane, who officially took over as France’s head coach earlier this month, is shaping his inaugural squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League window. His first selections, announced on September 18, feature a blend of seasoned internationals and fresh talent, while leaving out eleven players from the 2026 World Cup run due to injuries or strategic decisions (source [3]). The new coach’s presence at Clairefontaine signals a hands‑on approach as he begins to imprint his philosophy on the next generation of French players.
Lacroix’s comments come amid broader discussions about Zidane’s early impact on the national setup, including the inclusion of young prospects such as Diouf and Da Cunha and the omission of others like Marcus Thuram for strategic reasons (source [6]). While Lacroix did not detail specific training drills, his enthusiasm highlights the motivational boost that the former player‑turned‑manager brings to France’s youth development system. As the squad prepares for matches against Turkey, Belgium and Italy, the partnership between emerging talents and Zidane’s seasoned insight is set to define the next chapter for Les Bleus (source [1]).