French player amazed by zidane's skill in his 50s

Midfielder Manu Kone reveals he was shocked after witnessing coach Zinedine Zidane perform technical moves on the French national team's training pitch.

"What amazed me most during the first week of training was coach Zidane's technical skill. He seems to have lost none of his qualities from his peak playing days", Manu Kone stated at a French national team press conference on 30/9. "To witness it firsthand in real life is truly wonderful, especially as he has turned 54. When Zidane retired, I was very young. Maintaining such skill until now shows how impressive he was at his peak".

Kone at the French national team's press conference at the Clairefontaine training center, Paris, France on 30/9/2026. Photo: NST

During his playing career, Zidane was one of the best playmakers in the world. He led France to World Cup glory in 1998 and Euro 2000, before winning the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002. He also scored two decisive goals in the 1998 World Cup final and the decisive goal in the 2002 Champions League final, in addition to winning the Ballon d'Or in 1998.

Retiring from playing in 2006, Zidane continued his success on a new path. As a coach, he guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018) and two La Liga titles (2017, 2021). With these achievements, he became the successor to former coach Didier Deschamps after the World Cup 2026.

Kone mentioned that coach Zidane has advised him and entrusted him with more responsibility. The 25-year-old midfielder, who plays for Roma, feels honored to be led by a world football legend. "He told me to play freely and helped me feel more confident. He was a midfielder himself, so as a midfielder, listening to everything from him can only benefit me", Kone said.

Zidane displays his skill on the French national team's training pitch.

In Zidane's first two matches in charge, France won by identical 1-0 scores against Turkey and Belgium. On 2/10, they will host Italy in a match that brings back an unpleasant memory for the 54-year-old coach. In his farewell match as a player, Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi after being provoked, leading to France's defeat to Italy in the 2006 World Cup final penalty shootout.

France currently leads Group 1 of Nations League A, with two wins from two matches. If coach Zidane's team can secure victories against Italy and Belgium (return leg on 5/10), they will secure one of the two quarter-final spots early. Belgium and Italy both have three points, while Turkey is at the bottom with zero points.

Some skillful moves by Zidane with the French national team.

Thanh Quy (via ESPN)

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/tuyen-thu-phap-kinh-ngac-vi-ky-thuat-o-tuoi-u60-cua-zidane-5127090.html