Zinedine Zidane has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of the France national team, bringing an end to years of speculation surrounding his return to football management. The legendary former midfielder succeeds Didier Deschamps, whose remarkable tenure with Les Bleus comes to a close after more than a decade in charge.
The French Football Federation confirmed Zidane’s appointment during a press conference, describing the move as the start of a fresh chapter for one of international football’s most successful nations. According to earlier reports, Zidane has signed a contract that will keep him at the helm until 2030, giving him the opportunity to guide France through the UEFA Euro 2028 tournament and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane inherits a squad packed with world-class talent but also follows in the footsteps of one of the country’s greatest managers. Deschamps took charge of France on July 8, 2012, and transformed the national team into a consistent global powerhouse. Across 187 matches, he recorded 122 victories, 32 draws, and 33 defeats while delivering the 2018 FIFA World Cup title in Russia and leading France to a runners-up finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His reign also included deep runs in major international competitions, cementing his place among France’s most accomplished coaches.
For Zidane, the appointment represents a homecoming. As a player, he remains one of the most celebrated figures in French football history. Born in Marseille on June 23, 1972, he enjoyed an illustrious club career with Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid, earning widespread recognition for his elegance, vision, and leadership on the pitch.
His greatest achievements came in the blue jersey of France. Zidane inspired his country to its first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998, producing a memorable performance in the final before claiming the Ballon d’Or later that year. He followed that success by leading France to victory at UEFA Euro 2000, while also collecting the FIFA World Player of the Year award on three occasions—in 1998, 2000, and 2003.
After hanging up his boots, Zidane enjoyed an equally successful transition into management. He was appointed Real Madrid head coach in January 2016 and immediately established himself among football’s elite managers. During his first spell, he guided the Spanish giants to a La Liga title, the Spanish Super Cup, two FIFA Club World Cups, and two UEFA Super Cups.
His most remarkable achievement came in Europe, where he led Real Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, becoming the first coach to accomplish the feat in the competition’s modern era. His success earned him the FIFA Best Men’s Coach award in 2017.
Zidane returned to Real Madrid for a second spell in March 2019 and added another La Liga championship in 2020 before leaving the club at the conclusion of the 2020–21 season. Since then, he has remained out of management despite being linked with several high-profile coaching positions across Europe.
Now, the 54-year-old embarks on arguably the most significant challenge of his coaching career—leading the nation he once captained to glory. Expectations will be high as he aims to build on France’s recent success while preparing the team for future international tournaments.
Zidane’s first matches in charge will come in the UEFA Nations League, with France scheduled to face Turkey on September 26 before taking on Belgium on September 29. He is then expected to make his home debut at the Stade de France on October 3 when Les Bleus host Italy, marking the beginning of a new era under one of French football’s greatest icons.
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