Twenty-seven years after their coronation, the 1998 world champions met this Saturday in Aix-en-Provence for a meeting that has become a ritual between former teammates. At the initiative of Zinedine Zidane, as every year, this rally allowed the heroes of the World Cup to relive the memories of an unforgettable summer together, far from the spotlight.
As reported Provenceseveral emblematic figures were present within the Z5, the sports complex created by “Zizou”. Christian Karembeu, Alain Boghossian, Vincent Candela, Fabien Barthez, Christophe Dugarry, Lilian Thuram, Laurent Blanc or Bernard Diomède were there. The former coach AimĂ© Jacquet also made the trip, as are brand guests such as Michel Platini and Paul Pogba.
Deschamps, the remarkable absence
An absence nevertheless caught attention: that of Didier Deschamps, usually present on this event. The 1998 captain, now coach of the Blues, did not go to Aix-en-Provence, due to a business trip abroad.
Currently in the United States with his assistant Guy Stéphan, Deschamps attended the semi-final of the Club World Cup between PSG and Real Madrid (4-0) at Metlife Stadium on Wednesday. The tricolor duo also plans to attend the final between Paris and Chelsea this Sunday, extending the stay across the Atlantic.
Meanwhile, in Aix, the old Blues took advantage of this weekend. A reunion between friends with a few exchanges of balloons, photo session between footballers, dedications on the jerseys of fans who came for the event and a small part of Padel were on the program.
