Zinedine Zidane’s return to the France national team has quickly generated a surge in television audiences, with the 1-1 draw against Italy attracting a record peak of 8.2 million viewers on TF1.
The Nations League match, Zidane’s first in charge at the Stade de France with supporters in attendance, was watched by 7.17 million people in France, according to figures from Mediametrie reported by TF1. The broadcast achieved a 41% audience share.
The peak figure was the highest recorded by TF1 for a Nations League match in five years, underlining the level of interest surrounding France since Zidane took over as manager.
TF1 had expected viewing figures to increase following Zidane’s return to the spotlight and his appointment to lead France in the Nations League. The latest figures have strengthened those expectations after audiences also rose for the team’s previous matches.
France’s first match under Zidane ended in a 1-0 victory over Turkey. That game attracted 6.82 million viewers on TF1, giving the channel a 37.7% share of the market.
Three days ago, France recorded another 1-0 win, this time against Belgium. The match was watched by about 6.39 million people and produced a 32.9% market share.
Those figures increased again for the meeting with Italy at the Stade de France, despite the match ending in a draw.
TF1 will have one more opportunity to build on the audience numbers during the current international break when France face Belgium again on Monday evening.
Belgium will be aiming to respond to their first-leg defeat and reclaim top spot in the group at the Stade de France.
