Zinedine Zidane has been officially appointed as the head coach of France following the departure of Didier Deschamps
Zinedine Zidane has taken over from Didier Deschamps as the head coach of France, securing a contract that extends through the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps after the country’s 2026 World Cup campaign.
Deschamps resigned following France’s semi-final loss to Spain, concluding his 14-year tenure as head coach. Throughout his time in charge, he guided Les Bleus to three significant tournament finals, culminating in their victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane has not been involved in coaching since he departed from Real Madrid CF in 2021, where he led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during two terms as manager.
The 54-year-old, who led France to their inaugural World Cup victory in 1998, has secured a contract that will see him at the helm throughout the nation’s 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Speaking after his appointment, Zidane expressed that leading the French national team is “a wonderful source of pride” and committed to continuing the efforts of his predecessor.
“I’ve frequently expressed this sentiment: there’s nothing more remarkable than the French national team. “It is truly a joy and, without a doubt, a significant source of pride to take on the role of manager for this French national team,” Zidane expressed.
He expressed gratitude to Philippe Diallo and the French Football Federation for their trust while also honoring Deschamps and his coaching staff for their dedicated years of service.
French Football Federation president Diallo praised Zidane’s appointment, referring to him as a “legend” of French football and one of the most esteemed coaches of his generation.
Zidane will commence his tenure with a UEFA Nations League away match against Turkey on September 25, marking the beginning of a new chapter with Les Bleus.
