Koundé and Konaté set the tone as France squad arrives at Clairefontaine under Zidane
For France's first gathering under Zinédine Zidane, players arrived at Clairefontaine with complete freedom in their dress code. Jules Koundé and Ibrahima Konaté once again stood out with their outfits, while the rest of the squad favored more subdued tones.
Jules Koundé and Ibrahima Konaté confirmed their status as style leaders within the France squad during the Bleus’ first gathering under Zinédine Zidane’s direction on Monday at Clairefontaine.
The new head coach had nevertheless issued a warning: no dress code. “I haven’t given any message about sobriety. Everyone will arrive as they see fit. I’m not going to change anything about that,” he declared before the gathering. Zidane did, however, clarify his vision: once through the château gates, players must focus on the collective. “We’ll try to control the images a bit more. But they’ll really arrive however they want.”
Footage released by the French Football Federation shows a squad dressed predominantly in dark and understated tones. Koundé, the usual leader of the fashion parade, once again took care with his appearance. Konaté, true to form, also embraced a distinctive and personal style.
This first gathering under Zidane was scrutinized as much for its tactical signals as for the atmosphere it would create within the group. In terms of attire, individual freedom remains the rule — at least on arrival.
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