Zidane's impact shows quickly: a record figure resounds in France

Zidane brings his magic back to the French national team

Zinedine Zidane has continued to attract attention since taking charge of the French national team. His first appearance at the Stade de France in front of the fans, the 1-1 draw with Italy in the UEFA Nations League, pulled record-breaking viewing figures on TF1.

Figures from Médiamétrie, cited by TF1, show 7.17 million viewers in France tuned in, with a viewing share of 41%. At the peak of the broadcast, the audience climbed to 8.2 million, a record for a UEFA Nations League match on the channel in five years.

Those numbers confirm just how much interest Zidane has generated around the French national team. The channel had banked on a surge in viewing figures with the former coach back in the spotlight and leading the team through the Nations League.

France's first match under Zidane, a 1-0 win over Turkey, drew 6.82 million viewers on TF1 and a 37.7% market share.

Three days ago, Belgium against France ended in another 1-0 win for Les Bleus and recorded around 6.39 million viewers with a 32.9% market share. The figures then rose again for the Italy clash at the Stade de France.

Now TF1 are eyeing Monday evening's meeting with Belgium as the last chance during this international break to boost viewing figures. Belgium, for their part, will be out to answer their first-leg defeat and reclaim top spot in the group at the Stade de France.