Diallo: We didn't talk about money with Zidane.

Everyone wanted to see Zinedine Zidane as the coach of the national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps, to the extent that "we didn't talk to him about money," according to the president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, on Wednesday, the day after the 1998 World Cup champion was appointed to the role.

Diallo said: "Honestly, it’s not about the money," in an interview with France Inter radio, in response to a question about Zidane's salary with the French national team.

Salaries for officials of sports federations in France will be capped at a maximum of 450,000 euros per year, unless ministerial exemptions are granted, following the approval of professional sports reform on July 21.

The president of the French Football Federation added: "I met Zidane in February 2025. We talked about the desire, about a federation that wants the French national team to win, and about a player who dreams of wearing the 'blue' jersey. We didn't talk about money," refusing to disclose the salary of his former teammate Deschamps, who spent 14 successful years with the national team, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the finals in 2022 and the semifinals in 2026.

Diallo continued: "I believe this is not what our fans expect; what they expect is to see Zidane on the bench (beside the pitch), to see the French national team win, and to ensure that the identity of our French team, which is to unite the French behind it through victories, is realized."

Regarding the specific goals for Zidane, the same official appeared cautious, emphasizing the need to take all matches seriously, or else the team could fall into a negative spiral like Italy. He said: "When we participate in a major tournament, we must first qualify for it. And when I see the results of some of our neighbors... (for example) Italy has not qualified for the World Cup three times in a row. So we must always remain vigilant in this regard. After that, when we reach the finals, the traditional goal is to reach the last four (semifinals)."

The same speaker concluded: "When you are a competitor, as is the case with Zinedine Zidane and the players of the national team, the goal is to win; therefore, our mission over the next four years will be to do everything we can to win titles."