France have officially appointed World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the senior men’s national team, bringing an end to years of speculation over his future.
The French Football Federation confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, just two weeks after Didier Deschamps stepped down following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps ended a remarkable 14-year spell in charge, having led Les Bleus to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League trophy, and the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane, 54, has been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 after his second stint at the Spanish club. Widely regarded as one of France’s greatest-ever footballers, he was a key figure in the country’s maiden FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998 and went on to win the Ballon d’Or the same year.
Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described the opportunity as “a great source of pride.”
“There’s nothing greater than the French national team. It is a joy and a great source of pride to become the manager of this team. It is also a huge responsibility,” Zidane said.
He also thanked FFF president Philippe Diallo for his faith and paid tribute to Deschamps and his coaching staff for their service to French football.
FFF president Diallo hailed Zidane’s appointment as “a source of immense pride” and described him as “a legend of French football”, whose achievements as both a player and coach make him the ideal person to lead the next generation.
Zidane’s managerial resume is among the most decorated in modern football. During two spells with Real Madrid, he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, two La Liga crowns, and several other domestic and international honours.
He is expected to begin his tenure with an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey before France host Italy in October, as attention turns to the road to Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
After years of waiting, one of French football’s greatest icons will now attempt to add another chapter to his legacy, this time from the touchline with the national team.
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