Zinedine Zidane appointed as France's new football coach

Zinedine Zidane was announced as the new head coach of the French national football team in a televised press conference on Tuesday, marking his first official address in the role. The French Football Federation confirmed the appointment, citing the former player’s extensive experience and recent successes at club level as key factors in the decision.

During the address, Zidane thanked the federation, the coaching staff and the players for their confidence, and outlined a short‑term plan focused on restoring cohesion and preparing the squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League and European Championship qualifying matches. The 50‑year‑old, who captained France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles and later guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League victories as manager, highlighted his commitment to integrating emerging talent while maintaining the high standards expected of Les Bleus. The federation’s president affirmed that Zidane’s appointment aims to build on the team’s recent performances and to position France as a contender in forthcoming international tournaments.

Zidane’s first address sets the tone for a transitional period as the national side seeks to translate his proven leadership into results on the pitch. The next fixtures, scheduled for September, will provide an early assessment of his impact and the direction of French football under his stewardship.