Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps. Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, had been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021.
Deschamps, France’s longest-serving manager, concluded his 14-year tenure after the nation’s semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup. Zidane will officially commence his role on 1 August, signing a contract that extends through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Zidane’s managerial return
Zidane expressed his pride in leading the French national side, stating there is “nothing greater than the French national team.” He also acknowledged Deschamps’ 14 years of service and thanked French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo and the executive committee for their confidence.
Diallo described Zidane as a “legend” of French football, highlighting his status as one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation. Zidane’s first competitive match in charge will be a Nations League fixture away to Turkey on 25 September.
Zidane revealed that he had declined numerous job offers over the past five years, explaining that the national team position was the only one he desired after his time with Real Madrid. He stated, “This job is the only job I wanted to do after my career with Real Madrid.”
He added that he had always viewed the France national team as a fan and a future manager, which influenced his decision to not take on any new club teams. Zidane noted that he had watched many matches during his five-year break, including those of the French national team, and sees significant potential within the squad.
A legacy of success
Zidane’s managerial career at Real Madrid was marked by significant success. After initially coaching Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s B team, he took over the first team in January 2016. By the end of that season, he led them to Champions League success, defeating city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final.
This marked the beginning of three consecutive Champions League titles for Madrid, making them the first club to achieve back-to-back European crowns in the Champions League era and the first to win three in a row since Bayern Munich in 1976. He also secured a La Liga title in 2016-17.
After a brief departure, Zidane returned to Madrid in March 2019 and guided the team to another Spanish league title in 2019-20. His tenure also involved significant player acquisitions, including Eden Hazard and Rodrygo. He left the club after a trophyless 2020-21 season.
Deschamps’ 12-year period as manager saw France win the World Cup in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League. They also reached the finals of the European Championships in 2016 and the World Cup in 2022. Zidane acknowledged the success of Deschamps’ team, stating, “The team’s run and style of play were magnificent.”
Zidane’s playing career is also highly decorated. He started at Cannes in 1989, then played for Bordeaux before joining Juventus in 1996. With Juventus, he won two Serie A titles and reached successive Champions League finals.
He moved to Real Madrid in 2001 for a then-world record transfer fee of £66 million. He scored a winning goal in the 2002 Champions League final as Madrid defeated Bayer Leverkusen. For France, he famously scored two headed goals in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, helping France win their first World Cup.
Zidane was also part of the France team that won Euro 2000. His final professional match was the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, where he scored an opener before being dismissed in extra time.
Zidane’s appointment follows Deschamps’ confirmation in January 2025 that he would step down after the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Source: bbc.com