Appointment Confirmed
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the head coach of the France national team, the French Football Federation announced on Tuesday. He replaces Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years following France's fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup after a semi-final loss to Spain. Zidane signed a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. The appointment had been widely expected after Deschamps announced his decision to leave early last year.[S1][S2][S3]
Zidane expressed 'great pride' in taking the role, saying there is nothing greater than the French national team. He noted that he had turned down other offers because leading France was the only thing he wanted after his Real Madrid experience. He thanked the federation, president Philippe Diallo, and acknowledged Deschamps' 14 years of service. Diallo described Zidane as a 'legend' and said the appointment brings together a legend and a squad with rare potential.[S1][S4]
Deschamps ended his 14-year reign, having won the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, and reaching three major finals. Diallo praised his work and said his legacy should be recognized.[S1][S4][S5]
A decorated managerial career
Zidane, who turns 54, has not managed since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. During his two spells at the Bernabéu, he led Real to three consecutive Champions League titles, a feat unprecedented in the modern era, and won two La Liga titles. He first took charge in January 2016 and delivered the Champions League in his first season. He also oversaw a period of extensive spending, including the signings of Eden Hazard and Rodrygo.[S1][S3]
Before managing the senior team, Zidane coached Real Madrid Castilla and served as assistant to Carlo Ancelotti. He took over the first team in January 2016 after Rafael Benítez was dismissed. He stepped down in 2018 citing that the club needed a change, but returned in 2019 to win another La Liga title.[S1][S3]
As a player, Zidane won the 1998 World Cup with two headed goals in the final against Brazil and also won Euro 2000. He earned the Ballon d'Or in 1998 and later returned from international retirement for the 2006 World Cup, where he was sent off in the final loss to Italy. He also enjoyed success at club level with Juventus and Real Madrid.[S1]
First challenges ahead
Zidane's first competitive fixture will be a Nations League away match against Turkey on 25 September. France will also face Italy at the Stade de France and Belgium in the autumn. His long-term goals include leading France to Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. Zidane inherits a squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, who was the top scorer at the 2026 World Cup with 10 goals. Zidane's contract includes the objective of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5]
Zidane had been linked with the France job for years, first after the 2010 World Cup and again after the 2022 World Cup. He turned down other offers to wait for this opportunity, as he stated that leading France was his only goal after leaving Real Madrid.[S1][S4]
