Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps following the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Deschamps stepped down after France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, ending a successful 14-year tenure during which he guided Les Bleus to three major tournament finals, including their 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Zidane returns to management for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. During two spells in charge of the Spanish club, he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most successful coaches.
The 54-year-old, who captained France to its maiden World Cup title in 1998, has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through the country’s 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described the opportunity to lead the French national team as “a great source of pride” and pledged to build on the foundation laid by 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 expressed gratitude to French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo and the federation for placing their confidence in him, while paying tribute to Deschamps and his coaching staff for their years of service to the national team.
French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo welcomed Zidane’s appointment, describing him as a “legend” of French football and one of the most respected managers of his generation.
Zidane is set to begin his tenure with an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on September 25, marking the start of a new era for Les Bleus.
