Zinedine Zidane has been named the new head coach of France, replacing Didier Deschamps.
Deschamps left the role following Les Bleus’ run to the World Cup semi-finals, where they lost to eventual winners Spain before also losing the third/fourth place play-off to England.
It ended 14 years in charge for Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and the final four years later in Qatar.
France legend and 1998 Ballon d’Or winner Zidane has not managed since the second of his two spells with Real Madrid ended after 26 months in charge in 2021.
Having won the 2001/02 Champions League and 2002/03 Liga title as a player with the Spanish giants, Zidane won the Spanish title and became a European champion in three consecutive seasons during his first spell as their manager, between 2016 and 2018.
He has signed a four-year contract to guide France through the 2030 World Cup.
Zidane is one of the legends of football in France – FFF chief Diallo
Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation (FFF), said: “It is an incredible moment that we are living this morning. It has been almost 14 years since the FFF had been confronted with the situation of choosing a new coach.
“In February 2025, I met Zinédine Zidane. I contacted him to offer him a mission at the head of our French team. Since then, we have met several times to discuss his arrival. It was the meeting of two desires. A desire because Zinédine is one of the legends of French football and he had made it known that one of his dreams was to lead the French team. On the part of the Federation, a desire to have someone who has the aura, the competence and the heart of our fans to lead one of the best teams in the world.
“I have the privilege, the great honour and also the emotion to tell you that Zidane will be the next coach of the French team for the next four years, which will cover the qualifications for the Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. This contract will take effect on August 1. He will present his staff in early September.”
Zidane reveals he rejected offers to return to management
Zidane, who made 108 appearances for France, scoring 31 goals, including two in the 1998 World Cup final win over Brazil, admitted he had been waiting for this opportunity for sometime.
He said: “It’s a dream. I had proposals during the past four or five years to take over a club. And I refused them all for the French team, because it was the only thing I wanted to do after my experience at Real Madrid. The only thing that drives me is to be able to work for this team and that it continues to win.
“It’s an immense joy. I am happy with what is happening to me today. I am calm but I have a lot of emotions in me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me.”
Turkey test first up for France and Zidane
Zidane’s first games in charge will be in the Nations League in the four-game international window across September and October.
September 25: Turkey v France
September 28: Belgium v France
October 2: France v Italy
October 5: France v Belgium
“I have an extraordinary team,” said Zidane. “I will explain my game project to them.
“I have always looked at this team as a supporter, but also as a coach. That’s why I didn’t take a club. From the day after Deschamps’ decision in early 2025, I was animated by this desire to be next. The agreement was sealed as soon as I met the president.
“My priority is the first match against Turkey. I will have three weeks with the players in September, it’s great, almost unprecedented to be able to prepare things with them.
“There is no trap, it is a completely different job than that at a club. It doesn’t scare me. As this is what I wanted to do, I will have a balance between my personal life and the French team, it suits me perfectly. It’s a different job, I have no difficulties with that.”
You Should Also Read
