Zidane Recalls Mbappé's 2012 Trial at Real Madrid

French football coach Zinédine Zidane has revealed that he did not imagine reuniting with Kylian Mbappé as the coach of the French national team. In a press conference on Thursday, September 24, 2026, Zidane reflected on Mbappé's trial at Real Madrid in 2012. At the time, Mbappé was a young player from the INF Clairefontaine academy, and Zidane had helped organize his visit to the Real Madrid facilities.

During his visit to Madrid, Mbappé participated in training sessions with young players from the Real Madrid academy. Zidane, who was instrumental in arranging the visit, recalled being impressed by Mbappé's skills. Several people at the club had also taken notice of the young player's abilities. However, Zidane emphasized that he did not foresee their future reunion as coach and player.

Mbappé's trial at Real Madrid took place in December 2012, when he was approaching his 14th birthday. During his stay, he met Cristiano Ronaldo, one of his childhood idols. The Spanish club had considered signing him to their youth academy, but his family ultimately decided to continue his development in France. Mbappé went on to join AS Monaco and made his professional debut in December 2015.

Despite not signing with Real Madrid in 2012, the club continued to monitor Mbappé's progress. Over the years, his name was frequently linked to a potential transfer to the Spanish club. In 2024, Mbappé finally joined Real Madrid, and during his presentation, he recalled his initial visit to the club and meeting with Zidane.

Zidane and Mbappé have now reunited as coach and player in the French national team. Zidane was appointed as the successor to Didier Deschamps in September 2026 and has maintained Mbappé as the team's captain. Their first match together as coach and player will be against Turkey in the League of Nations on September 25.

Before Zidane's press conference, Mbappé had also spoken about their first meeting in 2012. He recalled Zidane accompanying him during his tour of the Real Madrid facilities and described their current reunion as "like a movie." The two have come a long way since their initial meeting 14 years ago.

Zidane's appointment as France coach has generated significant interest, particularly given his relationship with Mbappé. The team's upcoming match against Turkey will be an important test for the new coach and his captain. With their reunion, Zidane and Mbappé will look to build on their past experiences and achieve success together in the French national team.

Key points

• Zidane did not imagine reuniting with Mbappé as France coach.
• Mbappé had a trial at Real Madrid in 2012 but ultimately joined Monaco.
• Zidane and Mbappé have reunited as coach and player in the French national team.