Zinedine Zidane has been named France’s new head coach on a four-year deal, fulfilling a long-held ambition after succeeding Didier Deschamps.
Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of France, ending years of speculation after succeeding Didier Deschamps following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, with Zidane signing a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through to the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. He takes over after Deschamps stepped down following France’s fourth-place finish at the World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year spell in charge.
Zidane admitted the role was the only coaching position he had been waiting for since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The former France captain revealed he rejected several offers over the last four to five years because his sole ambition was to one day lead his national team.
“For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team,” Zidane said at his unveiling in Paris. “I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today.”
Zidane Fulfills Lifelong Dream with France Appointment
The 54-year-old described his appointment as the realization of a lifelong dream, having represented France at every level before helping the country win the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 as a player.
“Today represents continuity—a dream come true,” Zidane explained. “After my time with Real, it was the only thing I wanted to do. I’ve been part of the setup since I was a kid, working my way through every stage to reach the senior national team. Now I have the opportunity to be the head coach, and I’m going to give everything to ensure the team keeps winning.”
Although Zidane has coached only one club, his managerial record is among the most impressive in modern football. During two spells at Real Madrid, he guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, a feat unmatched in the competition’s modern era.
The French legend acknowledged that international management presents a different challenge from club football but insisted he is embracing the opportunity with confidence. “It’s a completely different job, that’s for sure. I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me,” he said.
Zidane follows former international teammates Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps in taking charge of Les Bleus. His first match as France coach will be away to Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, before making his home debut against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2 as he begins a new era for the two-time world champions.
