Zinedine Zidane Appointed As New France Head Coach

Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the French national men's football team. The appointment follows the departure of Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge. Deschamps left his post after France experienced a semifinal exit during the 2026 World Cup, where the team ultimately finished in fourth place following a 6-4 loss to England. Zidane has signed a four-year contract with the French Football Federation to lead the squad through the next cycle.

The former Real Madrid manager has long coveted the national team position. Zidane revealed he turned down various club offers to remain available for this specific opportunity. He noted that he knew he wanted the role since January 2025, when the succession plan became clear. His managerial background includes historic success with Real Madrid, where he secured three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. His deep history with Les Bleus, notably as a World Cup winner in 1998, remains a cornerstone of his appeal to the federation.

Zidane’s first test in charge will be a UEFA Nations League match away against Turkiye on September 25. He will then lead the team for a high-profile home fixture against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2. The French Football Federation anticipates that his arrival will revitalize a team with significant potential. The new head coach has explicitly stated his high ambitions for the national side as they begin preparations for upcoming international tournaments and Euro 2028 qualification.