Why the current France squad eclipses Zidane’s era, says Studio Oranje

Studio Oranje, a podcast produced by VoetbalPrimeur, concluded that the France team currently making a splash at the World Cup is the best France ever, surpassing the era that featured Zinedine Zidane. The hosts described the assessment as unanimous and tied to France’s status as the top favourite for the tournament’s final victory. The programme highlighted that the French side’s form has turned the World Cup into a showcase of unprecedented quality, prompting the claim that this generation outshines previous legends. The hosts emphasized that the team’s collective performance, rather than individual brilliance alone, underpins the ‘best ever’ label. One commentator asked, "Is this France better than the team with Zidane? Yes, much better. A no‑brainer. I have seen Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry disappoint, that often went poorly. It's not normal," underscoring a stark contrast with past expectations.

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Another voice added, "I also find Kylian Mbappé a class better than Henry. That can’t actually be, I never thought that possible. When I watched Henry, I thought: it can’t get any better," reinforcing the view that the current attacking talent eclipses the former star. The latest episode also covered the departure of Koeman, explored possible successors, and linked those discussions to the broader narrative of the best France ever, inviting listeners to tune in for deeper analysis. Listeners are encouraged to check the newest Studio Oranje episode for the full discussion on Koeman’s exit, the search for his replacement, and the arguments that position today’s France above the Zidane‑era squad.