Almost every Real Madrid supporter will be curious to see what the France team looks like under Zinédine Zidane when the next international break begins next week. Before then, however, there is still one final weekend of club football to be played, including the highly anticipated Madrid derby.
After that, attention will turn to international football and the Nations League, with Zidane preparing to take charge of Les Bleus for the first time. For Real Madrid fans, the break will therefore be followed with even greater interest than usual.
There will naturally be plenty of attention on the Madrid players called up by France, but the main attraction will be Zidane himself. For the first time in his coaching career, the legendary Frenchman will be seen on a touchline away from the Santiago Bernabéu.
Eduardo Camavinga, Ibrahima Konaté and Kylian Mbappé have all been included in Zidane’s first squad. Aurélien Tchouaméni, however, has been left out, with the midfielder likely being protected after dealing with physical problems at the beginning of the season.
Zidane’s comment that caught everyone’s attention
During his press conference on Friday, Zidane made one comment that immediately attracted attention in Spain, particularly among Real Madrid supporters.
Asked about Kylian Mbappé’s best position on the pitch, Zidane gave an interesting answer.
“His best position? I don’t know. He can play in all three attacking positions, but personally, for example, I really like him on the left,” Zidane said.
It was a short statement, but one that could carry significant meaning.
Mbappé has mainly been used as a central striker in recent seasons, both at club level and with the French national team. However, he built much of his reputation as a devastating attacker starting from the left wing, where he could use his pace, dribbling and ability to cut inside onto his stronger foot.
🚨 Zidane : "Kylian Mbappé est LE MEILLEUR JOUEUR DU MONDE." @TF1 ✅🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/AZfrE1d2cR
— RMadrid actu 🇫🇷 (@RMadrid_actu) September 18, 2026
Zidane’s words therefore suggest that he may be considering a return to that role with France.
Such a decision would also be closely watched in Madrid. There has been an ongoing debate over Mbappé’s ideal position at Real Madrid, especially as some observers believe the team would benefit from having a more traditional number nine leading the attack.
If Mbappé were to thrive again on the left under Zidane, it could inevitably revive that discussion.
The French forward has the versatility to operate across the entire front line, but his most explosive performances earlier in his career often came from wide areas, where he had more space to accelerate and attack defenders directly.
For Zidane, the challenge will be finding the right balance around France’s attacking talent. For Real Madrid supporters, meanwhile, every tactical decision involving Mbappé will be closely analysed.
Zidane has only just begun his new chapter with France, but his first press conference has already provided one intriguing storyline: could Kylian Mbappé soon return to the left wing?
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