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Former Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is reportedly being considered for an unexpected return to the French national football set-up.

Barthez joined Manchester United from AS Monaco during the summer of 2000, bringing with him a flamboyant and unconventional style of goalkeeping that stood out in English football, which traditionally favoured a more conservative approach between the posts.

Known for his fearless play with the ball at his feet, Barthez often thrilled and occasionally alarmed supporters at Old Trafford with his adventurous goalkeeping. Over his time with the club, he made 139 appearances and helped Manchester United secure two Premier League titles in 2001 and 2003.

In the summer of 2004, Barthez departed for Olympique de Marseille after spending the previous season there on loan. His international career was equally illustrious, earning 87 caps for France and winning both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.

After retiring in 2006, the 54-year-old took up the role of honorary president at Championnat National side Luzenac. He later joined the French national team’s technical staff in 2010 when Laurent Blanc took charge as manager.

In an interesting twist, Barthez also pursued a career in motorsport, competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2014, 2016, and 2017.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Barthez could be set for another stint with Les Bleus once Didier Deschamps steps down following the current World Cup. The publication reports that “Zinédine Zidane, the likely future coach, is working behind the scenes to bring his former teammate in as goalkeeping coach for the French national team.”

The report adds, “a strong bond remains between the two men. The idea is bold and nostalgic, evoking memories of a golden era for those in their forties and beyond: appointing his former French national teammate Fabien Barthez as goalkeeping coach, replacing Franck Raviot, who has been training the national team’s goalkeepers (and earlier the U21s) for sixteen years.”

The two share a close friendship dating back to their playing days, and Barthez is said to be “keen to join the coaching staff and work with a generation of players he believes to be exceptional.”