French Football Federation president avoids commenting on Zidane's salary, focuses on trophies

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), sidestepped questions about the salary of newly appointed national team coach Zinedine Zidane. Diallo insisted that the financial details of Zidane's contract are confidential and, more importantly, irrelevant to fans who are solely focused on the team's performance and winning trophies.

Speaking in an interview with France Inter, Diallo stated that money was not a topic of discussion when he initially spoke with Zidane about the coaching position in February 2025. Instead, the conversation centered on Zidane's desire to lead the French team to victory. Diallo asserted that fans expect wins, not details about the coach's remuneration.

The FFF president highlighted that Zidane's four-year contract comes with clear objectives: qualifying for international tournaments, advancing deep into competitions, and ultimately securing trophies. Diallo pointed to Zidane's proven track record, including three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid, as evidence of his ability to manage and lead a team to success.

Diallo also commented on the broader football landscape, expressing a more measured approach compared to Spanish LaLiga president Javier Tebas's criticisms of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. While acknowledging Infantino's work, Diallo suggested a need for more rigorous decision-making processes within football governance. He specifically raised concerns about FIFA's plan to open the organization to private investors, noting a lack of detail and insufficient consultation with member federations. Diallo indicated plans to discuss these issues with other major European federations and UEFA.