French football legend Zinedine Zidane is reportedly close to fulfilling his long-held dream of coaching the France national team. According to French media reports, the French Football Federation (FFF) has reached a verbal agreement with Zidane for him to take charge after the 2026 World Cup. The change would mark a major shift in French football, with Zidane expected to succeed current coach Didier Deschamps once the tournament concludes.

Zidane, who led France to its first World Cup title in 1998 and another final in 2006, has also enjoyed a highly successful coaching career. He last managed Real Madrid in two separate stints between 2016–2018 and 2019–2021, winning 11 major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Despite receiving an offer to coach the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Zidane reportedly declined it.

The reports suggest Zidane’s appointment could bring a new era for French football, combining his legacy as a player with his proven coaching success at the club level.

The Paris prosecutor’s office has announced the formation of a special team of magistrates to examine possible involvement of French citizens in cases related to convicted U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to AFP, the initiative follows the appearance of several prominent French names in Epstein’s circle. The new team will work with prosecutors and police from the national financial crimes unit to determine whether to open investigations against suspected French nationals.

Officials said the team will also revisit the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, who died in custody in 2022 after being accused of raping minors. Investigations had found Brunel to be a close associate of Epstein, allegedly exploiting poor young women under the guise of modeling opportunities. At least ten women have accused him. New allegations are also being reviewed against French diplomat Fabrice Aidan, a modeling agent, and a music director.

Following the release of Epstein-related documents, former French minister Jack Lang resigned, denying wrongdoing and calling the accusations false. Financial prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry into Lang and his daughter for tax evasion and money laundering.

Paris Saint-Germain suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat to coachless Rennes in a Ligue 1 match at Roazhon Park on February 14, 2026. The defending champions, led by Luis Enrique, entered the game on a seven-match winning streak, while Rennes had gone five games without a win and had dismissed head coach Habib Beye earlier in the week. Despite dominating possession with 69 percent and taking 17 shots, PSG failed to convert effectively as Rennes capitalized on counterattacks.

Jordanian midfielder Musa Al Tamari opened the scoring for Rennes in the 33rd minute, followed by Esteban Lepel’s header to double the lead. Former Rennes player Ousmane Dembélé pulled one back for PSG, but Breel Embolo’s late goal sealed the home side’s victory. After the match, Dembélé admitted PSG started poorly and praised Rennes’ performance, emphasizing the need for more teamwork.

This third league defeat could cost PSG their top spot. With 51 points from 22 matches, they remain first for now, but second-placed Lens, on 49 points from 21 games, can overtake them with a win against Paris FC. Rennes climbed to fifth with 34 points from 22 matches.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the European Union to become a geopolitical power by focusing on long-term strategic objectives. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, he said Europe must enhance its offensive capabilities and assess how France’s nuclear capacity can align with the EU’s future security framework.

Macron rejected claims that Europe’s influence is declining, saying it is time for courage and for building a stronger Europe. He criticized U.S. trade and foreign policies toward Europe, emphasizing that the continent must demonstrate determination in defending its own interests. He urged EU member states to continue discussions on developing independent thinking and collective action.

Macron also stressed the need to rebuild Europe’s security architecture and clarify its nuclear deterrence strategy, underscoring his vision of a more self-reliant and strategically unified Europe.

Hundreds of people gathered in Paris, France, to demonstrate solidarity with the peoples of Palestine, Haiti, Venezuela, New Caledonia, Congo, and Sudan. The protest took place at Place de la Nation, where participants denounced discrimination and oppression faced by these communities. The demonstration was organized following calls from various civic organizations, according to Anadolu Agency.

Protesters carried banners reading “Boycott Israel” and waved flags representing the six nations. Members of France’s Yellow Vest movement also joined the rally, adding to the diverse group of participants. The event reflected a broader expression of international solidarity with populations perceived as victims of injustice and repression.

The gathering highlighted continued public engagement in France with global human rights issues and solidarity movements, particularly concerning Palestine and other regions experiencing political or humanitarian crises.

Jack Lang, former French culture minister, resigned as president of the Arab World Institute following revelations of his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein and the launch of a financial investigation, France’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday. The country’s financial crimes prosecutors have opened a preliminary probe into Lang and his daughter Caroline for alleged laundering of aggravated tax-fraud proceeds related to suspected financial ties with Epstein. Lang, 86, was summoned by Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot for a meeting on Sunday after pressure mounted over the case.

French media reported that Lang had sought funds or favors from Epstein, while his daughter’s name appeared in files of an offshore company co-owned with the late financier. Caroline Lang, a film producer, resigned from her role as head of the Independent Production Union. Lang denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and described the allegations as baseless, saying he faced the investigation with serenity.

The release of Epstein-related documents has triggered repercussions across Europe, prompting resignations and investigations involving public figures in the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Slovakia, and several Baltic states.

French authorities have issued warrants against two Franco-Israeli citizens suspected of involvement in genocide for allegedly obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. The warrants, issued in July last year, target Nili Kupfer-Naouri of the group Israel Is Forever and Rachel Touitou of the group Tsav 9. They are accused of attempting to block aid trucks at the Nitzana and Kerem Shalom border crossings between January and November 2024. The suspects have been asked to appear before an investigating magistrate but have not been ordered arrested.

An NGO lawyer involved in the case described the move as unprecedented, marking the first time a country has launched an investigation into potential complicity in genocide through obstruction of humanitarian aid. Kupfer-Naouri’s lawyer said their actions were peaceful protests against aid being diverted by Hamas and other groups. Touitou defended her actions on social media, while Kupfer-Naouri called the French probe “anti-Semitic hysteria.”

The complaint was filed by Palestinian human rights groups, including Al-Haq and Al-Mezan. Sources indicated that up to ten more individuals could face similar warrants, while separate war crimes cases involving Franco-Israeli soldiers remain ongoing in France.

French authorities rescued more than 6,000 migrants attempting to reach the United Kingdom by small boats in 2025, according to a report from France’s maritime prefecture released on Friday. The report confirmed that at least 25 people died and two remained missing during these perilous journeys across the English Channel.

The annual report stated that despite the risks, attempts to cross the Channel increased compared to previous years. France has long served as a main departure point for migrants seeking better lives in the UK. In 2025, about 50,000 people tried to make the crossing in 795 boats, with 6,177 rescued alive. Based on French and British data, AFP estimated the death toll could be at least 29.

The prefecture warned that human traffickers are putting migrants in greater danger, noting that the average number of passengers per boat rose from 26 in 2021 to 63 in 2025. The report also mentioned continued use of so-called “taxi boats,” which secretly depart nearly empty and later pick up dozens of migrants in shallow waters.

France’s National Assembly has passed a bill aiming to ban social media use for children under 15, seeking to protect them from excessive screen time and its negative effects. The bill, strongly supported by President Emmanuel Macron, was approved after a lengthy session from Monday to Tuesday night and will now move to the Senate for further approval. Macron described the measure as a major step forward in safeguarding French youth.

The proposed law also includes restrictions on mobile phone use in high schools. If enacted, France would become the second country after Australia to impose such strict limits on minors’ social media access. The law would take effect at the start of the 2026 school year, with social media companies required to deactivate non-compliant accounts by December 31, 2025. Renaissance Party leader and former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal expressed hope that the Senate would approve the bill by mid-February.

A recent report by France’s public health agency ANSES warned that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram negatively affect teenagers’ mental health, especially among girls. The law will exclude educational and encyclopedic platforms and introduce a European-level age verification system.

Brazilian forward Endrick, once hailed as a prodigy and the next Pelé, has reignited his career in France after a difficult spell at Real Madrid. On loan to Lyon in Ligue 1, the 19-year-old scored a hat-trick in a 5–2 victory over Metz, helping his team climb to fourth place in the standings with 36 points from 19 matches. The remaining goals came from Ruben Kluivert and Tyler Morton, while PSG lead the table with 45 points.

Endrick opened the scoring in the 11th minute, added a second in first-half stoppage time, and completed his hat-trick with an 87th-minute penalty. At 19 years and 188 days, he became the youngest player in Lyon and Ligue 1 history to score a hat-trick, breaking Bernard Lacombe’s record of 19 years and 196 days. Endrick has now scored four goals and provided one assist in his first three matches for Lyon.

After the match, Endrick expressed happiness at returning to form, saying he felt comfortable and grateful to his teammates and staff for their support.

French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on European countries opposing the U.S. attempt to acquire Greenland. In a message posted on social media platform X on Saturday, Macron described Trump’s position as unjustified and unacceptable, saying that such a threat has no legitimacy in the current context.

Macron warned that if the tariff threat is implemented, European nations will respond in a united and coordinated manner. He emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to protect Europe’s sovereignty and confirmed that he will continue discussions with European partners on this stance.

Earlier, Trump had announced plans to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from several European countries starting in February, which could rise to 25 percent by June 1. He also warned that the tariffs would remain in place until the Greenland acquisition effort is completed.

Air travel in the French capital Paris was severely disrupted on Wednesday due to intense cold and heavy snowfall. Around 100 flights were canceled at Charles de Gaulle Airport and at least 40 more at Orly Airport, according to the country’s transport minister. The cancellations began early in the morning as authorities worked to manage runway conditions and ensure passenger safety.

The French news agency AFP reported that forecasts on Tuesday night had already warned of possible flight disruptions. Paris Transport Minister Philippe Tabarro told CNews that the situation was expected to normalize by the afternoon. Thousands of passengers were affected by the cancellations, facing delays and travel difficulties.

Airport authorities urged travelers to stay in contact with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates as operations gradually resumed.

The French government has announced plans to prohibit social media access for children under the age of 15. According to a new draft law, the measure aims to protect minors from excessive screen time and improve online safety. The proposal could take effect by September if approved. President Emmanuel Macron has endorsed the initiative and called for parliamentary debate on the issue in January.

The draft law also includes a ban on mobile phone use in schools, citing risks of cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. The government argues that unrestricted online access can lead to harassment, exposure to harmful material, and sleep problems among children.

The report notes that Australia became the first country to impose a similar restriction, banning social media use for children under 16, providing a comparative context for France’s proposed policy.

Bangladeshi expatriates in France have declared that they will continue their movement until justice is ensured for the murder of Shahid Sharif Osman Hadi, a frontline fighter of the July uprising and convener of Inquilab Mancha. The announcement came on Friday evening at a discussion and prayer event held at a restaurant near Paris, organized by the Shahid Osman Hadi Support Forum. Participants also warned that they might call for a global remittance shutdown if justice is delayed.

The event was presided over by senior journalist Abdul Mannan Azad and conducted by Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, with several community leaders, journalists, and activists in attendance. Speakers highlighted Osman Hadi’s revolutionary life and his vision for a justice-based society. They criticized political and cultural decline in Bangladesh and urged the establishment of cultural centers in his memory.

Participants pledged to continue united resistance until the real perpetrators are brought to justice and Hadi’s ideals of an equitable, fascism-free Bangladesh are realized.

French President Emmanuel Macron has sharply criticized the United States for imposing visa restrictions on five European citizens, including EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, over disputes related to technology company regulations. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Macron described the US decision as an act of intimidation and coercion, asserting that France strongly condemns the measure.

According to reports from AFP, the restrictions are linked to ongoing tensions between Washington and Brussels regarding the regulation of major technology firms. Macron argued that the move was intended to weaken Europe’s digital sovereignty and pressure EU policymakers. He reaffirmed that Europe remains committed to protecting its regulatory autonomy and will not compromise on its principles.

The incident underscores growing transatlantic friction over digital governance and corporate oversight. Analysts suggest the dispute could complicate cooperation on technology policy and data protection between the US and the European Union in the coming months.