France have officially appointed Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national team following the departure of Didier Deschamps.
Deschamps ended his 14-year reign after France’s semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing to a close the longest managerial spell in the country’s history.
Zidane, who won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France as a player, returns to football management for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The 54-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through France’s 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described the role as a tremendous honour.
“There is nothing greater than the French national team. It is a joy and a great source of pride to become its manager,” he said, while also paying tribute to Deschamps and his coaching staff for their years of service.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo praised the appointment, describing Zidane as both a legend of French football and one of the most respected coaches of his generation.
During his managerial career at Real Madrid, Zidane won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018 and also lifted two La Liga trophies across two spells at the Spanish club.
As a player, Zidane enjoyed an illustrious career with Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid. He won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 after inspiring France to their first World Cup triumph and later helped the country lift the UEFA European Championship in 2000.
His first competitive match as France coach will be an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on 25 September.
