Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps following the country’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Deschamps stepped down after France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, bringing an end to his 14-year spell in charge. During his tenure, he led Les Bleus to three major tournament finals, including their 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Zidane, who guided Real Madrid CF to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles across two spells as manager, has been out of coaching since leaving the Spanish giants in 2021.
The 54-year-old, who captained France to their first World Cup title in 1998, has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through the nation’s 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described leading the French national team as “a great source of pride” and vowed to build on the work of his predecessor.
“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 to become the manager of this French national team,” Zidane said.
He also thanked Philippe Diallo and the French Football Federation for their confidence, while paying tribute to Deschamps and his coaching staff for their years of service.
French Football Federation president, Diallo hailed Zidane’s appointment, calling him a “legend” of French football and one of the most respected coaches of his generation.
Zidane will begin his tenure with a UEFA Nations League away fixture against Turkey on September 25 as he starts a new chapter with Les Bleus.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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