Zinedine Zidane has been named the new head coach of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps after his 14-year tenure ended following France's semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

The 54-year-old football legend, who captained France to their first World Cup win in 1998, will guide Les Bleus through the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup. Zidane expressed pride in assuming the role and acknowledged the responsibility it entails.

"There is nothing greater than the French national team," Zidane said. "It's a joy and a great source of pride to become the manager of this team. I thank the French Football Federation for their confidence and recognize Didier Deschamps' 14 years of service."

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hailed Zidane as a "legend" and emphasized the significance of his appointment. "This marks the union of a historic figure in French football with a team brimming with potential and high ambitions," Diallo stated.

Zidane’s Managerial Background

After retiring as a player in 2006, Zidane began his coaching career with Real Madrid Castilla in 2014 before taking charge of Real Madrid’s first team in 2016. He led Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016-2018) and secured two La Liga championships (2016-17 and 2019-20) during his two spells at the club.

Zidane left Real Madrid in 2021 following a trophyless season and had been out of management since. His first fixture as France coach will be a UEFA Nations League match against Turkey on 25 September.

Playing Career Highlights

  • Started at Cannes in 1989, then moved to Bordeaux and Juventus.
  • Transferred to Real Madrid in 2001 for a then world-record £66 million.
  • Scored the winning volley in the 2002 Champions League final.
  • Key figure in France’s 1998 World Cup victory, scoring twice in the final.
  • Won Euro 2000 with France.
  • Retired after the 2006 World Cup final, where he scored early but was sent off for a headbutt.

Zidane’s appointment ends years of speculation about him taking the helm of the French national team, a role he was linked to as early as 2010. He now begins a new chapter aiming to build on France’s recent successes and prepare the squad for upcoming international competitions.