Last week, Mbappe referred to Zidane as "the player who most embodies the France team," noting that he left an indelible mark on French football.
Mbappe is a key figure for the current generation of French footballers, having led Les Bleus to their second World Cup in 2018 and helping them back to the final in 2022. Zidane confirmed last week that Mbappe would continue as France captain.
Speaking to Spanish paper AS, Mbappe explained that Zidane was present in his career from his formative years.
"Yes, years ago (he took me to Real Madrid's training ground)," said Mbappe.
"He was the first to pick me up and take me to Real Madrid, to the training complex. I was 13 or 14; it was ages ago.
"And now he’s my national team coach. It’s like something out of a movie, but he's top-level."
Zidane replaced his former France teammate Didier Deschamps after the World Cup, ending a 14-year spell in charge for the latter.
"It’s a new phase with a new coach," said Mbappe. "It’s going to be a new experience for everyone, since we’ve only ever had Deschamps. It will be a change for us, but I think everything will turn out very well."
France face Turkey in the Nations League on Friday in Zidane's debut as France manager, before fixtures against Belgium and Italy.
UEFA Nations League
The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 is contested by the national teams of 54 of UEFA's member associations. They're divided into four leagues based on the rankings of the previous edition, with Leagues A, B, and C featuring sixteen teams each, divided into four groups of four, while League D features six teams divided into two groups of three. It begins in September 2026, with the finals in June 2027.
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