Zinedine Zidane appointed as new coach of France national football team

Paris, France – The French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that former midfielder Zinedine Zidane will succeed Didier Deschamps as head coach of the national team, Les Bleus. The appointment ends a two‑year search for a successor after Deschamps guided France to the 2022 World Cup final and the 2024 European Championship. Zidane, a World Cup winner as a player in 1998 and a two‑time Champions League champion as Real Madrid manager, returns to coaching after his departure from the Spanish club in 2021.

The federation’s statement highlighted Zidane’s extensive experience at the highest levels of the sport, noting his success in leading Real Madrid to three consecutive European titles between 2016 and 2018. Although he has not held a managerial position since leaving Madrid, Zidane was widely regarded as the frontrunner for the role, with his tactical acumen and leadership qualities cited as key factors in the decision. He will inherit a squad that finished runner‑up at the last World Cup and is preparing for upcoming Nations League matches and the 2028 European Championship qualifiers.

Zidane’s first task will be to assemble his coaching staff and outline a strategic plan for the national side ahead of the next competitive cycle. The transition marks a new chapter for French football, with the former star expected to bring his winning pedigree to the international stage while maintaining the standards set by his predecessor.