Zinedine Zidane has become France’s new head coach after succeeding Didier Deschamps, ending years of speculation over who would lead Les Bleus after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed the appointment on Tuesday. Zidane returns to coaching for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
The 54-year-old had long stood as the leading candidate for the role. He now takes charge of a national team he inspired as a player and inherits one of international football’s strongest squads.
Deschamps stepped down after France lost to Spain in the World Cup semi-finals. He spent 14 years in charge of the national team, leading France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and the Euro 2016 final.
Zidane built one of the most successful managerial records in modern club football during two spells at Real Madrid. He guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, an achievement unmatched in the competition’s modern era.
His playing career with France ranks among the nation’s greatest. Zidane won the 1998 Ballon d’Or after inspiring France to their first World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. He also helped Les Bleus lift the European Championship in 2000.
The former midfielder earned 108 caps and scored 31 international goals before retiring after the 2006 World Cup final.
Zidane’s first matches in charge will come during September’s UEFA Nations League window. France travel to Turkey on September 25 before facing Belgium three days later. His first home game will come against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.
The appointment opens a new chapter for France as one of the country’s greatest players attempts to add international coaching success to an already remarkable career.
