Zinedine Zidane Officially Takes Charge of France
French football icon Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, fulfilling a role he has openly desired for years.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Zidane’s appointment on Tuesday following the departure of Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after guiding France to a fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane has signed a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
‘The Only Job I Wanted’
Speaking during his official unveiling in Paris, Zidane admitted that coaching France was the only position he had been waiting for.
“For me, it’s an immense joy to become the coach of the French national team,” Zidane said.
He revealed that he rejected several club offers over the past four to five years because his dream was always to lead Les Bleus.
According to Zidane, no other coaching opportunity compared to managing his country.
Replacing Didier Deschamps
Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who spent nearly 14 years as France manager.
During his remarkable tenure, Deschamps guided France to:
- FIFA World Cup victory in 2018
- FIFA World Cup runner-up finish in 2022
- UEFA Nations League title
- Fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup
Deschamps remains one of the most successful managers in French football history.
A Legendary Playing Career
Before becoming one of football’s most respected coaches, Zidane enjoyed an extraordinary international playing career.
He inspired France to victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, before helping the country win UEFA Euro 2000.
His achievements made him one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
Real Madrid Success Built His Coaching Reputation
Although Zidane has coached only one club, Real Madrid, his managerial record is exceptional.
During his time in Spain, he guided Madrid to:
- Three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016, 2017 and 2018)
- Multiple La Liga championships
- FIFA Club World Cup titles
- UEFA Super Cup victories
His three straight Champions League triumphs remain one of the greatest achievements in modern football management.
Ready for a New Challenge
Zidane acknowledged that international football presents a completely different challenge compared to club management.
However, he insisted he feels fully prepared for the responsibility and plans to manage the team in his own style rather than copying previous coaches.
“I know how to win,” Zidane said confidently during his presentation.
France’s Next Matches Under Zidane
Zidane’s first competitive fixtures as France coach have already been scheduled.
France will face:
- Turkey away on September 25 in the UEFA Nations League.
- Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.
Supporters will be eager to see whether one of France’s greatest-ever players can also become one of its greatest national team managers.
With his winning mentality, elite coaching experience, and deep connection to French football, Zidane now begins a new chapter aimed at leading France back to international glory.
