Zinedine Zidane made a surprise appearance on French talent show The Voice Kids on Saturday to help coach Soprano convince a young contestant.
The 1998 World Cup winner featured in a pre-recorded video message to persuade nine-year-old singer Azure to join Soprano's team after she turned all four coaches' chairs during her blind audition.
Azure, who is from the Île-de-France region, performed a cover of No Doubt's Don't Speak on the TF1 broadcast. When she sang, she appeared to be in her own bubble as if performing in a stadium, prompting all four panel members to turn their chairs.
With four coaches competing for her, Matt Pokora promised the young football fan that they could play football between coaching sessions. Fellow coach Santa used her block button against Patrick Fiori to stop him from recruiting Azure.
Soprano praised the performance as magnificent and told Azure that every turned chair was like a gift, adding that he wanted to give her a present of his own. He asked her to turn toward the screen behind her, where a video played showing the rapper wearing a blonde wig as his alter ego Brice de Mars before introducing a special guest.
Zidane video message to contestant
In the video message, Zidane greeted Azure and told her she could choose Soprano without hesitation because the rapper would guide her to the end of the competition. The former France star said Soprano had a big heart and would look after her well, wishing her a great adventure and encouraging her to enjoy the experience before sending kisses to both of them.
Zidane was appointed head coach of the French national football team after the episode was recorded. Like Soprano, the former Real Madrid manager and national icon is originally from the city of Marseille.
The video message left the panel astonished, with Santa telling Soprano that he was the coach she should have blocked. Despite Zidane's endorsement, Azure ultimately chose to join Santa's coaching team.
After winning over the contestant, Santa asked if she had just beaten Zidane and wondered whether she was the new number 10. The singing competition airs on French network TF1, with full performances available to stream on TF1+.
Celebrity guest appearances on the show
Zidane's appearance follows a similar surprise on the show the previous week, when French national team forward Kylian Mbappe appeared to support coach Matt Pokora.
