Zinedine Zidane has been officially named head coach of the French national team, returning to management after five years away from the dugout. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, handing the legendary former midfielder a four-year contract.
The 54-year-old Zidane, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, succeeds Didier Deschamps after the 2018 World Cup winner stepped down following 14 years in charge. Deschamps left his post after France's semifinal exit at the 2026 World Cup, where they were beaten 2-0 by Spain.
"I've waited five years for this chance, so that's why I'm a bit emotional," said Zidane, his voice trembling as he clenched his fists. "I'm excited. The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team."
Diallo called the appointment "an exceptional moment," describing Zidane as "one of the legends of French soccer." The FFF president revealed he first held talks with Zidane in February 2025, after Deschamps indicated he would stand down following the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane admitted he turned down several club offers during his five-year hiatus, holding out exclusively for the France job. "I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club. I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do."
Zidane will take charge of his first match on September 25, an away Nations League fixture against Turkey, followed by a trip to Belgium three days later. French fans will have to wait until October 2 to see Zidane at the Stade de France, when France host Italy — exactly 20 years after Zidane was sent off against the same opposition in the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting Marco Materazzi.
"Italy is special, because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian," Zidane said. "All of those things."
The new coach signalled a shift in style from the Deschamps era. "What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals," he said. "I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience."
Zidane, who starred for France as a player — winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, and claiming the Ballon d'Or in 1998 — inherits a squad brimming with talent including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Les Bleus will aim to recapture the glory of their 2018 World Cup triumph under their new leader.
Sources
- AP News — France hires Zinedine Zidane as men's national soccer team coach: https://apnews.com/article/france-coach-zidane-7024af747bd665aefad70244b1743561
