Zinedine Zidane has reportedly introduced a strict new rule after taking charge of the France national team. The legendary midfielder has banned haircuts during the national team camp at Clairefontaine, with barbers and hairdressers set to be denied access once the players arrive. The move is part of Zidane’s reported push for greater discipline and fewer distractions around the squad.The reported haircut ban is not the only change Zidane has made since replacing Didier Deschamps. He has also restricted media coverage of the players’ arrivals at Clairefontaine, ending a popular tradition in which cameras captured the squad’s eye-catching outfits. Zidane appears determined to reduce the spotlight around the players away from the pitch and put football at the centre of France’s preparations.
Zinedine Zidane bans hairdressers from France’s Clairefontaine camp
According to French newspaper L’Équipe, Zinedine Zidane has imposed a strict ban on haircuts once the France camp begins at Clairefontaine. Hairdressers and stylists will reportedly not be allowed inside the national team base.The rule means France players will have to arrive at camp with their preferred hairstyles already in place. Once training begins, they will not be able to bring in a barber for a fresh cut or styling session.The decision is part of Zidane’s reported attempt to create a more disciplined environment around the national team. The new coach wants his players to focus on football rather than their appearance.French players have regularly attracted attention for their hairstyles and fashion choices. Their arrivals at Clairefontaine have become a popular part of international breaks.Players have often been photographed wearing expensive or unusual outfits when reporting for duty. Those pictures quickly spread across social media and generated discussions in the French media.Zidane has now reportedly moved to limit that attention.The France coach has also restricted media access around the team’s arrival at Clairefontaine. The change effectively brings an end to the famous arrival-day “fashion show”.“The first change concerns the announcement of his first squad list. It will take place at the French Football Federation headquarters, but without cameras. The press conference will be broadcast only through the FFF’s communication channels”, AS reported.“Another change introduced by Zidane is the elimination of the massive media presence outside Clairefontaine to cover and broadcast the arrival of the French national team players at their residence. This was quite an event, as many players arrived dressed in outfits that sparked lengthy debates in the media”, the report added.The new approach is a major change from the atmosphere that surrounded France camps under Deschamps.Zidane took over from Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps had been in charge for 14 years and guided France to consecutive World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022.Zidane now begins his own era with Les Bleus. His first competitive matches come in the Nations League.