At the Stade de France, after France’s 4-1 win over Belgium on Monday night, a familiar embrace brought together two central figures from the 1998 generation: Zinédine Zidane and Aimé Jacquet.
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Zidane met his former France coach in the corridors of the Saint-Denis stadium before heading towards the TF1 pitchside studio. Jacquet, a rare visitor to football grounds in recent years, had attended the match and was greeted warmly by the man he coached between 1994 and 1998.
The pair embraced in front of several members of France’s World Cup-winning squad. Laurent Blanc, Vincent Candela, Robert Pirès and Christian Karembeu were also present, while French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo was among those nearby.
Zidane took time to greet his former international team-mates after the final whistle, before reflecting on Jacquet’s influence in his post-match press conference.
“Mémé was someone who loved his players,” Zidane said of the former France manager. “That was what he passed on: a great deal of confidence, freedom and kindness.
“I saw him and he looks well. I told him I was happy to see him and happy that he had come to watch the France team, because I know he does not go out very often.”
Jacquet led France to the 1998 World Cup title on home soil, with Zidane scoring twice in the final against Brazil at the Stade de France.
