Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French midfielder and former Real Madrid manager, has been officially appointed as the head coach of the France national team. The 54-year-old signed a four-year deal that will take him through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, replacing Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years at the helm following France's semi-final loss to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane's Return to Management
Zidane has been out of coaching since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. He previously led Los Blancos to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. As a player, Zidane famously guided France to World Cup glory in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. He is widely regarded as the greatest player in French history.
On his appointment, Zidane expressed profound emotion: “It is a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team. 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. It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank 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. I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”
Diallo's Praise
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hailed the appointment as a historic moment. “The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation,” Diallo said. “It marks the meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions.”
Deschamps' Legacy
Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, ended his 14-year tenure after the team finished fourth in the 2026 World Cup, having lost to Spain in the semifinals and then to Portugal in the third-place match. Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final in 2022, losing to Argentina on penalties. He also led Les Bleus to the Euro 2016 final and the 2021 Nations League title.
What Lies Ahead
Zidane inherits a talented squad featuring Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and emerging stars. His first task will be to guide France through qualification for the 2028 European Championship and then the 2030 World Cup. The French public and media have long clamored for Zidane to take the national team job, and his appointment has been met with widespread approval. With his iconic status and proven managerial pedigree, expectations are high for a new golden era under “Zizou.”
