Zidane under heavy guard
Zinedine Zidane, the new manager of the French national team, is enjoying exceptional and unprecedented security measures compared to those provided to previous managers of "Les Bleus," reflecting the immense popularity of the French football legend both at home and abroad . Minutes after announcing his first squad, Zidane appeared in front of the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris, where around 100 fans had gathered to greet him with cheers and songs. Many tried to approach him and take photos . The fans chanted slogans like "Zizou, we love you," a scene that reflected the overwhelming enthusiasm for the new manager and the exceptional esteem he still commands among French fans despite his long absence from coaching . The newspaper L'Équipe revealed that discussions had taken place within the French Football Federation in recent weeks regarding Zidane's security arrangements, given his status as one of the most prominent sporting figures in France . According to the newspaper, Zidane will have even greater security protection than his predecessor, Didier Deschamps, as he will be accompanied by a personal bodyguard, in addition to a dedicated security officer within the French national team delegation . These measures are similar to the security arrangements previously implemented by the French Football Federation to protect Kylian Mbappé during the World Cup, given the anticipated large public and media presence surrounding Zidane in his new role . French Federation officials emphasized that the heightened security measures are not linked to any specific concerns, but rather aim to provide Zidane with the utmost peace and comfort amidst the growing interest in his return to the forefront through the national team . These measures coincide with the beginning of Zidane's era with the French national team, a role that has garnered exceptional attention, as the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner transitions from being one of the most prominent figures in French national team history to the man responsible for leading it.
