Zinedine Zidane Appointed France National Team Coach

Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps.

Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed the head coach of the France national football team, marking his return to management after a lengthy absence. The announcement comes following the departure of Didier Deschamps, who concluded his 14-year tenure after France’s semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane, a legendary figure in French football and a World Cup winner in 1998, will take over a team that recently finished fourth in the global tournament. He expressed his pride in leading the national side, stating, “I’ve often said it: there’s nothing greater than the French national team. So it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team.”

The 54-year-old coach will sign a contract allowing him to oversee the team through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. Zidane acknowledged the contributions of Deschamps, adding, “I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.”

Diallo, too, recognized Zidane’s storied past in football, calling him a “legend” of the sport. He emphasized the importance of Zidane’s appointment, saying, “The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation.”

Zidane’s first competitive match will be against Turkey in the Nations League on September 25. As a coach, he first made waves with Real Madrid, guiding the team to three consecutive Champions League titles and fostering a squad that included prominent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Eden Hazard.

Having taken part in the prestigious Galacticos era, Zidane’s legacy as a player includes memorable contributions such as two goals in the 1998 World Cup final, which helped France secure their first title. His trajectory from player to one of the most respected coaches in football history adds to the expectations surrounding his new role.

The transition of power from Deschamps to Zidane is not just a change in leadership; it reflects a shift in aspirations as the French side looks ahead to future competitions, including the upcoming qualifiers for Euro 2028. With high ambitions set forth by the new coach and the same talented squad, fans will be eager to see how Zidane implements his vision moving forward.