Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps following the country’s semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Deschamps, France’s longest-serving manager, leaves the role after 14 years in charge, a spell that included winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching three major international finals. The French Football Federation has handed Zidane a contract that will see him lead Les Bleus through qualification for the 2030 World Cup, with his first competitive match scheduled away to Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on 25 September.
The 54-year-old returns to football management for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Regarded as one of France’s greatest-ever players, Zidane said leading the national team was both an honour and a major responsibility. He thanked French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo and the federation for their trust, while also paying tribute to Deschamps and his coaching staff for their years of service.
Diallo described Zidane’s appointment as a landmark moment, calling him one of the most respected coaches of his generation and expressing confidence that he can guide a talented French squad toward future success.
Zidane built an outstanding managerial reputation during two spells at Real Madrid. After taking over from Castilla in January 2016, he guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, becoming the first coach to achieve that feat in the modern Champions League era. He also won La Liga in the 2016-17 season before stepping down in 2018.
He returned to Madrid in March 2019 during a difficult period for the club and led them to another La Liga title in 2019-20. His second spell also included major transfer activity, with players such as Eden Hazard and Rodrygo joining the squad, before he departed again following the trophyless 2020-21 campaign.
Although repeatedly linked with the France job for more than a decade, Zidane has only now accepted the position after years of speculation dating back to France’s disappointing 2010 World Cup campaign. In addition to preparing the team for the 2030 World Cup qualification campaign, he is expected to oversee France’s bid at Euro 2028.
As a player, Zidane enjoyed one of football’s most decorated careers. After starting at Cannes and later starring for Bordeaux, he joined Juventus in 1996, winning consecutive Serie A titles and reaching back-to-back Champions League finals before moving to Real Madrid in 2001 for a then-world record £66 million transfer fee.
He quickly justified that investment by scoring one of the most iconic goals in Champions League history, a stunning left-footed volley that secured Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 final.
On the international stage, Zidane became a national hero by scoring twice in France’s 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, helping his country lift the trophy for the first time. He was awarded the Ballon d’Or later that year and added the UEFA European Championship title with France in 2000.
After briefly retiring from international football, Zidane returned for the 2006 World Cup and inspired France to the final against Italy. He scored an audacious Panenka penalty in the final before being sent off in extra time following his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi. Italy eventually won the World Cup on penalties, bringing Zidane’s remarkable playing career to an unforgettable close.