Zidane's Call and the New Podiatrist for the French Football Team

Marc Rétali, the new podiatrist for the French national football team, described his appointment as a dream come true, initially believing it was a prank call from Zinedine Zidane himself. This new role, which did not exist under the previous coach Didier Deschamps, was created at the request of Zidane. Dr. Hervé Collado, appointed by Zidane to lead the medical staff, sought a podiatrist. Collado contacted Rétali, who had a 20-year history with FC Sochaux and had worked with professional cycling teams like Cofidis, Groupama-FDJ, and Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale.

Rétali revealed that he did not apply for the position and was surprised to be contacted. He explained the connection: Zinedine Zidane appointed Dr. Hervé Collado to build a medical team, and Collado wanted a podiatrist to support the players. Collado, who is also the president of the French Society of Sports Traumatology, knew of Rétali's extensive experience in sports podiatry. Collado reached out with a secret project, and Rétali agreed to participate without initially knowing the specifics.

While Rétali had met Collado at conferences, they were not close personal acquaintances. He described Collado as a prominent figure in sports traumatology, akin to "the Zidane of doctors." When the possibility of joining Zidane's staff for the French team was mentioned, Rétali's initial reaction was disbelief, thinking it was a joke until Collado confirmed its authenticity.

Rétali expressed his deep admiration for Zinedine Zidane, a national icon in France, recalling the historical significance of the 1998 World Cup win when he was in his twenties. He sees this role as a significant professional achievement and the pinnacle of his career in sports traumatology.

His role is intended to be full-time, with the aim of accompanying the team everywhere to address any podiatric issues that may arise, especially during competitions. This constant presence is a novelty compared to his previous work with FC Sochaux, where he conducted preseason assessments, fitted orthotics, and saw players on a case-by-case basis. The current setup requires him to be available to adapt to immediate needs during games.

Rétali clarified that his role could involve addressing issues like player-specific shoe preferences or foot pathologies. He acknowledged that elite players like Kylian Mbappé already have comprehensive medical support at their clubs. However, new problems can emerge during training camps or gatherings, related to footwear, foot pressure, or postural imbalances. He emphasized the foot's critical role as the foundation of the entire body's biomechanical chain, and how addressing foot issues can correct overall body equilibrium.

He confirmed that his work would be integrated with physiotherapists and osteopaths, operating under the direction of the head physician who will coordinate all therapeutic decisions. Rétali's past experience in multidisciplinary sports medicine teams involved collaborative decision-making led by a medical coordinator.

Rétali's extensive experience in football began with FC Sochaux, where he worked for over 20 years. He recalled successful periods with the club, including European campaigns, and highlighted his role in addressing functional pathologies and fitting orthotics for players with recurrent issues. He brought a mobile podiatry setup, similar to what he plans for the national team, with the support of a French podiatry lab capable of producing custom insoles on-site. This was a practice he honed in cycling, where he provided similar on-location services for teams like Cofidis, Groupama-FDJ, and Decathlon-AG2R La Mondiale during their training camps abroad.

His entry into FC Sochaux in 2003 was serendipitous. The owners of a hotel where the club was staying were his patients. Overhearing a conversation about a player's foot problem (Pagis), the hotel owner connected them to Rétali. He successfully treated Pagis's issue, which he described as a basic problem for a podiatrist. This led to other players seeking his help, and he gradually became an integral part of the medical staff, even traveling with the team to training camps with his mobile practice.

Before his integration into the FC Sochaux staff, Rétali treated many athletes in his private practice. His work with the team marked his first experience as a permanent member of a recurring sports staff. He identified issues such as conflicts with footwear, especially with new shoes, and various minor injuries or impacts on the feet that can be costly if they occur at critical times. The new role with the national team is seen as adding a valuable tool to the medical staff's capabilities.

In cycling, Rétali's work focused on preparing athletes for major events like the Tour de France by addressing positional issues. He explained that the constant pressure on pedals in cycling amplifies functional asymmetries. Following the doping scandals, clean cycling teams sought alternative performance enhancement solutions, and podiatry and on-bike postural analysis were identified as ways to alleviate functional pain without forbidden substances. His research and publications with French cycling teams demonstrated the positive impact of orthotic insoles on performance, highlighting the previously underestimated importance of functional biomechanics.

Rétali noted that French national team footballers are accustomed to podiatric care through their respective clubs, which often have specialized orthopedic support. Given that these players represent top clubs with optimized medical care, his role will involve augmenting and fine-tuning existing care, addressing any overlooked issues, and ensuring overall foot health security for the players.

Regarding the upcoming training camp, Rétali expressed his anticipation, comparing it to Christmas Eve. He highlighted that the entire staff is new, creating a unique "commando" dynamic where everyone is new and in the same situation. He views this as an exciting opportunity. Reflecting on his childhood love for football and now transitioning to the professional side, he expressed immense admiration for Didier Deschamps' work and the significance of joining Zinedine Zidane's staff, likening it to a special mission from a national hero.