The French Football Federation (FFF) has turned to one of the country’s greatest football icons to lead the next chapter of the national team, officially appointing Zinedine Zidane as head coach following Didier Deschamps’ departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 54-year-old was unveiled at the headquarters of the FFF in Paris on Tuesday, ending years of speculation over when he would eventually take charge of Les Bleus.
Zidane replaces Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge following France’s semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup and went on to finish fourth at the Mundial. The former captain leaves behind a remarkable legacy that included the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and sustained success that kept France among the world’s elite.
For Zidane, the appointment marks a return to football management after five years away from the dugout. Since leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2020-21 season, the former midfield maestro had resisted numerous coaching opportunities while waiting for the France job, long viewed as his preferred destination.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed that Zidane’s four-year contract will officially begin on August 1 and will run through the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign. His first squad is expected to be announced in early September.
Addressing reporters during his unveiling, Zidane described leading his country as both an honour and a responsibility, thanking the federation for its confidence while paying tribute to Deschamps and his coaching staff for their years of service.
His first competitive assignment will come on September 25 when France travel to Turkey for a UEFA Nations League fixture, the opening test of a reign that carries enormous expectations.
From Madrid Success to France Challenge
The France role represents a significant shift for Zidane, whose entire managerial career has been built at Real Madrid. He first took charge of the club’s Castilla side before being promoted to the senior team in January 2016.
His impact was immediate. Within months, he guided Madrid to the UEFA Champions League title before going on to achieve one of the competition’s greatest feats by winning three consecutive European crowns from 2016 and 2018.
During his first spell, Zidane also delivered the 2016-17 La Liga title before stepping down, insisting the club needed fresh leadership after three years of sustained success. He returned in 2019 and added another Spanish league championship in 2020 before leaving again after the 2020-21 campaign.
Despite persistent links with several elite clubs and national teams over the past five years, Zidane chose to remain out of management, fueling widespread belief that he was waiting for the opportunity to coach France.
Taking Over a Winning Legacy
Replacing Deschamps is arguably the toughest assignment in international football. Over 14 years, the outgoing coach transformed France into one of the most consistent teams in the game, guiding the nation to multiple major tournament finals, including the FIFA World Cup and the Uefa Nations League, and restoring its status as a global powerhouse.
Diallo described Zidane as a legend whose appointment brings together one of football’s most respected coaches with a national team capable of competing for every major honour.
The federation believes the former Real Madrid boss possesses the experience and winning mentality required to guide an exceptionally talented generation through the next international cycle, beginning with the Nations League before attention turns to Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
A National Icon Returns
Few figures command the same admiration in French football as Zidane. As a player, he inspired France to their first World Cup triumph in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil before helping the country lift the European Championship two years later.
His glittering club career included successful spells with Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid, where his memorable volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final remains one of football’s defining moments.
Those achievements, combined with his extraordinary success as a coach, have made Zidane one of the most celebrated figures in the sport.
Now, two decades after playing his final World Cup with France, Zidane returns in a different role. Expectations will be immense, but so too will the belief that one of French football’s greatest sons can usher in another era of international success.
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