Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the head coach of the France national team, replacing Didier Deschamps, who ended his 14-year stint after France’s semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup.
The 54-year-old World Cup winner with France in 1998 has signed a contract that will see him lead the nation through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, described his appointment as “a great source of pride.” His first competitive fixture will be a Nations League trip to Turkey on 25 September.
Key Points:
Zidane inherits a French squad with “rare potential” and high ambitions for major tournaments.
The appointment ends years of speculation linking Zidane to the national team job.
Zidane’s trophy-laden Real Madrid career raises expectations for immediate success.
His playing legacy as France’s greatest player adds symbolic weight to the appointment.
The long contract through 2030 signals commitment to building a sustained project.
All eyes will be on how Zidane translates his Champions League-winning club success to the international stage, and whether he can deliver France’s third World Cup.
