Zinédine Zidane has officially been appointed head coach of the France national team, signing a four-year contract to succeed Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation unveiled the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner at a press conference in Paris, where federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed he approached the former midfielder in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced he would step down following the 2026 World Cup.
‘The only thing I wanted’
Zidane revealed that he declined numerous managerial proposals during his five-year absence from the dugout because leading Les Bleus represented his sole professional ambition.
“I turned them all down for the French national team, because it’s the only thing I wanted to do after my experience at Real Madrid,” Zidane stated. “The only thing that motivates me is being able to work for this team and for it to continue winning.”
The former midfielder described his appointment as “the best day of my coaching career.” He also paid tribute to his predecessor and offered support to firefighters tackling forest fires in southwestern France.
Real Madrid pedigree
Zidane had been without a club since resigning from Real Madrid in 2021. He previously enjoyed two spells with the Spanish giants, initially taking charge of the senior side in 2016 after managing their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, and serving as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant.
During his first tenure, he secured three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, a feat never previously achieved. He also claimed La Liga honours in 2017. After a brief departure, he returned in 2019 to win a second league title during the disrupted 2019-20 campaign before leaving again in 2021.
Zidane’s desire to manage France was publicly known. In 2022, he told L’Equipe he wished to “come full circle” with the national team, adding that representing his country remained the best thing that ever happened to him.
What happens next
Zidane assumes control of a squad boasting considerable international experience. His four-year agreement commits him to the national team through the 2030 World Cup cycle, tasked with maintaining France’s status among the game’s elite.