From Zidane and Xavi to Klopp and Rafa Márquez
September 23, 2026 ·
Several former football stars, including Zidane, Xavi, Klopp and Rafa Márquez, made their debut as national team coaches in the latest FIFA schedule. This is an important step for them after being successful as players.
From Zidane and Xavi to Klopp and Rafa Márquez
According to Mundodeportivo.
Background
Zinedine Zidane, known as one of the best players of all time, has now taken over as coach of the French national team. With the experience of winning three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Zidane is expected to be able to bring the 'Les Bleus' team to further success on the international stage.
Why this is important
The debut of legendary coaches such as Zinedine Zidane and Xavi Hernández marked a new chapter in the history of international football. They not only bring tremendous experience from their playing careers, but also great hopes for the success of their respective national teams. This match is in the spotlight because it involves coaches who have a high reputation and brilliant achievements at club level.
Main Points
- From Zidane and Xavi to Klopp and Rafa Márquez.
- Several former football stars, including Zidane, Xavi, Klopp and Rafa Márquez, made their debut as national team coaches in the latest FIFA schedule.
- De Zidane y Xavi a Klopp y Rafa Márquez: las leyendas que debutan como seleccionadores.
A number of legendary former players are now entering the world of coaching with their debut as national team coaches in the latest FIFA schedule. Those who have created history on the gridiron are now trying to make new achievements as coaches. One of the most anticipated matches is the match between the Netherlands and Germany, which will take place on Thursday. In this match, Xavi Hernández, who was one of Barcelona's key pillars when coached by Pep Guardiola and was also a former world champion with Spain in 2010, will make his debut as coach of the Dutch national team against Jürgen Klopp, coach of the German national team who is known as a Liverpool legend. Klopp has achieved many achievements, including winning the Champions League and Premier League, and his rivalry with Pep Guardiola in the Premier League is one of the most interesting in football history.
Apart from that, a historic moment will also occur when Zinedine Zidane, who is one of the best players of all time and has won world and European titles with France, starts his career as coach of the French national team. As a coach, Zidane has proven his abilities by winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He will make his debut on Friday against Türkiye.
Mark van Bommel, a former Barcelona player, will also start his duties as coach of the Belgian national team, which will face Italy. Not to forget, Rafa Márquez, who was also a Barcelona star, will start his coaching journey with the Mexican national team, replacing Javier Aguirre, in the friendly match against Colombia on Monday.
On the other hand, Diego Forlán will serve as Uruguay's interim coach, replacing Marcelo Bielsa, and will face Robert Moreno's South Korea on Monday as well. Apart from that, Marcelo Gallardo, who is known as a successful coach, is now the coach of the Ecuador national team and will lead his team in the friendly match against Japan on October 1. Patrick Vieira, a former France player, will also make his debut as Senegal national team coach in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique on Friday.
With many former legendary players now joining as coaches, this is a new chapter in football history that is worth paying attention to. Each coach has challenges and high expectations, and we all look forward to seeing how they will make their mark at international level.
What happened next
Zinedine Zidane will make his debut as France national team coach on Friday against Türkiye, while Xavi Hernández will lead the Netherlands against Germany on Thursday. These two matches are expected to be a proving ground for the new coach to implement their playing philosophy. In addition, other coaches such as Rafa Márquez and Mark van Bommel will also start their coaching journey, adding dynamism to the international competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the former players who debuted as national team coaches?
Former players who debuted as national team coaches include Zinedine Zidane, Xavi Hernández, Jürgen Klopp, Mark van Bommel and Rafa Márquez.
What happened to the latest FIFA schedule?
A number of legendary former players entered the world of coaching with their debut as national team coaches in the latest FIFA schedule.
Why are so many former players now becoming national team coaches?
Those who have created history on the gridiron are now trying to make new achievements as coaches.
When will Zidane and Xavi make their debut as national team coaches?
Zinedine Zidane will make his debut on Friday against Türkiye, while Xavi Hernández will debut on Thursday against Germany.
What changes have occurred in the Mexican national team?
Rafa Márquez will start his coaching journey with the Mexican national team, replacing Javier Aguirre.