Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team on a four-year deal, replacing Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup.
Key facts
- Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps.
- The French Football Federation confirmed a four-year contract.
- Zidane says he turned down every job offer over the last five years to take the role.
- The appointment follows France's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
- FFF president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment at the federation's Paris headquarters.
Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday. The former Real Madrid manager takes over from Didier Deschamps at the helm of the side he once led to glory as a player.
According to the Guardian, FFF president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s appointment at the federation’s headquarters in Paris, confirming the former midfielder had been handed a four-year contract. Zidane entered the press conference room only minutes after his appointment was confirmed by the FFF’s executive committee.
Speaking after his unveiling, Zidane said he was ready for the task ahead. “I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge,” he said, as reported by the Guardian. Sky Sports reported that the new head coach revealed he had turned down multiple job opportunities during the past five years because he only wanted to take charge of Les Bleus.
The appointment follows France’s World Cup 2026 disappointment, according to Al Jazeera. The move brings to an end Deschamps’ long tenure, with Zidane succeeding a manager under whom the team enjoyed sustained success.
The Guardian noted that Zidane’s eventual arrival had been an open secret in France for several years, and by the end of the World Cup his appointment was all but confirmed. His unveiling drew significant attention, with roads around the FFF headquarters closed off and a crowd of France fans gathering outside with flags, flares and drums as more than a hundred journalists and TV cameras were ushered inside.
French sports daily L’Équipe marked the occasion with the front-page headline “Il revient” – “He’s back” – echoing its 2005 headline when Zidane came out of international retirement as a player. The BBC noted that Zidane has been out of management for five years and now faces the question of how he will harness the France squad’s star power.
Why it matters
Zidane is regarded as one of France's greatest ever players, and his appointment marks a symbolic homecoming for a national team seeking to rebound from World Cup disappointment. The change ends the long Deschamps era and places one of the sport's most recognisable figures in charge of Les Bleus.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Zidane's contract with France?
According to the Guardian, the French Football Federation gave Zidane a four-year contract.
Who did Zidane replace as France head coach?
Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps at the helm of the France national team.
Why did Zidane take the France job now?
Sky Sports reported that Zidane said he turned down multiple job opportunities over the past five years because he only wanted to take charge of France.