PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 11, 2026--
Ubigi, the eSIM connectivity brand of global mobile operator Transatel (a subsidiary of the NTT Group), has chosen French racing driver Esteban Ocon to serve as the face of its Travel eSIM offering. This partnership highlights Ubigi’s international ambitions and reflects the brand’s promise to provide consumers and businesses with high-performance, accessible 4G/5G connectivity in more than 200 destinations worldwide.
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Launched in 2017, the pioneer in global eSIM connectivity has enjoyed strong growth in recent years, surpassing 3 million customers and establishing itself among the most popular international eSIM services.
ESTEBAN OCON AND UBIGI: A NATURAL FIT
Ubigi’s choice of Esteban Ocon is part of a brand strategy aimed at associating the company with international mobility, performance and technological innovation. As a renowned racing driver travelling the world throughout the Grand Prix season, Esteban Ocon represents a hyper-connected generation accustomed to moving seamlessly from one country to another without compromising their digital habits.
“Our ambition at Ubigi is to simplify mobile connectivity for all travellers. In a world where mobile usage continues to grow, we want to offer a seamless, frictionless experience at increasingly accessible prices. The choice of Esteban Ocon fits naturally within this vision: beyond his international reputation, he embodies an ultra-mobile lifestyle, a drive for performance and the ability to thrive in international environments,” said Marie-Julie Le Guen, Ubigi Brand Director at Transatel.
For the driver, the collaboration is also based on first-hand experience with the service.
“I discovered Ubigi while travelling to Grand Prix events and was immediately impressed by the simplicity of the concept and the quality of the service. Being able to stay connected in every country I visit throughout the season without worrying about roaming charges is a real advantage in everyday life,” added Esteban Ocon.
MOTORSPORT AS A DRIVER OF GLOBAL REACH
The partnership with Esteban Ocon forms part of a broader initiative linked to the world of motorsport. Each Grand Prix attracts a global audience and brings together fans who are particularly receptive to themes of innovation, technology and performance, in line with Ubigi’s positioning.
Beyond traveller connectivity, Ubigi has also been a recognised player in connected vehicle services since 2017. This direct connection with the automotive world, deeply rooted in Ubigi’s DNA, further strengthens the relevance of this partnership.
Esteban Ocon Named Global Ambassador for Ubigi Travel eSIM Service
PARIS (AP) — Moments after being announced as France's new coach on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane clenched his fists and his usually measured voice trembled a little.
“I’m excited,” he said. “The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.”
Zidane coached Real Madrid until leaving in 2021. He replaces Didier Deschamps at the helm of France team he led to glory as arguably its greatest ever player.
“I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional,” said Zidane, adding that it was the happiest day of his career as coach.
“I’ve always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won’t hide it.” Zidane added. “That’s why I didn’t take a club side. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was taking the France team.”
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, saying he has been given a 4-year contract.
Diallo called the hiring of Zidane “an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me,” adding that Zidane “is one of the legends of French soccer.”
The 54-year-old Zidane could have gone to another club after leaving Madrid in 2021. But there was no way he would.
“I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club,” he said. “I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.”
Zidane called it “an immense joy” taking charge.
“I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge,” he said. “That's what motivates me.”
Zidane praised Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup and stepped down after the recent edition, where Les Bleus lost in the semifinals to Spain.
“Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win,” Zidane said. “I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) for these remarkable years.”
Diallo said he met Zidane for talks in February, 2025 after Deschamps said he would stand down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane said France would play differently to how it did under Deschamps.
“What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals,” Zidane said. “I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience.”
His first game as France coach will be away to Turkey in the Nations League on Sept. 25, followed by a match in Belgium three days later.
Home fans need to wait until Oct. 2 for a glimpse of Zidane at Stade de France, when France plays Italy, 20 years after he was sent off against Italy in the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.
“I’ve noted all of the four matches to come, they're in my head,” Zidane said, tapping his forehead. “Italy is special, because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian. All of those things.”
After the announcement, Zidane went to greet a large gathering of fans outside the federation headquarters and they cheered loudly when he arrived.
France lost the World Cup final on penalties in 2022 and lost the European Championship final on home soil in 2016. Some Deschamps critics, among them former France teammate Christophe Dugarry, said he should have won more with the players he had.
Deschamps described an “an unbreathable atmosphere” at the end of his tenure, without detailing what the tensions were.
Zidane and Deschamps were different types of midfielders, but are forever linked by glory.
The industrious Deschamps was France’s captain and the mercurial Zinedine was the creative force when France won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Affectionately nicknamed “Zizou” his face was beamed onto the Arc de Triomphe the night France celebrated its first World Cup triumph in ’98. An inspired Zidane scored two headers in the final in a 3-0 win against Brazil at Stade de France and later that year he won the Ballon d’Or.
Born in Marseille to Algerian parents, Zidane’s club career took him from Cannes to Bordeaux and then to two of the world’s biggest clubs: Italian giant Juventus and Madrid.
His international career began in 1994, when he scored two stunning goals against the Czech Republic after coming on as a substitute, in front of his home fans in Bordeaux.
He won league titles with Juve and Madrid and scored a brilliant volley to help Madrid win the Champions League in 2002.
With Zidane carrying an injury, France flopped at the 2002 World Cup — going out in the group stage — but reached the final four years later after Zidane came out of international retirement.
His 108th and final game for France was against Italy in the 2006 World Cup final and he scored early with a deft Panenka-style penalty for his 31st, and last, international goal.
Then, with millions watching around the world, an infamous moment saw him walk back up the field and slam his forehead into Materazzi’s chest, sending the tall defender flying backward.
Zidane trudged past the gold-tinted World Cup trophy as he left the field in Berlin, his international career over.
His first game as France coach will be away to Turkey in the Nations League on Sept. 25, followed by a match in Belgium three days later.
Home fans need to wait until Oct. 2 for a glimpse of Zidane at Stade de France, when France plays Italy.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Zinedine Zidane, newly appointed coach of the France national soccer team, smiles during a media conference at the headquarters of French Football Federation headquarters in Paris, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Zinedine Zidane, newly appointed coach of the France national soccer team, attends a media conference at the headquarters of French Football Federation headquarters in Paris, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Zinedine Zidane, newly appointed coach of the France national soccer team, smiles during a media conference at the headquarters of French Football Federation headquarters in Paris, Tuesday, July 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
France head coach Didier Deschamps stands by the bench during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
FILE - Zinedine Zidane of France displays the World Cup after the final of the soccer World Cup 98 between Brazil and France at the Stade de France in Saint Denis, north of Paris, Sunday, July 12, 1998. (AP Photo/Thomas Kienzle, file)
FILE - Former French player Zinedine Zidane, left, embraces Kylian Mbappe of France, as he is being presented to fans as a new Real Madrid player in Madrid, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas, File)
