Zinedine Zidane Appointed Head Coach of France National Football Team

Zinedine Zidane has officially taken charge as the head coach of the France national football team, securing a contract that will run until 2030. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment in a formal statement, marking a landmark transition in French football history.

The decision follows the departure of long-serving manager Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after Les Bleus exited the 2026 World Cup at the semi-final stage following a defeat to Spain. French media had widely tipped Zidane as Deschamps’ successor long before the tournament concluded, and the governing body has now brought those months of speculation to an end.

Zidane brings an extraordinary track record to the role, both as a player and a manager. He famously led Les Bleus to World Cup glory on home soil in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. After transitioning to management, he made history with Real Madrid by guiding the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during his first managerial spell. Since departing the Bernabéu for a second time in 2021, the 54-year-old tactician has remained out of management, patiently waiting for the right international opportunity despite receiving lucrative offers from several top European clubs.

Expressing his pride after accepting the position, Zidane emphasised his deep connection to the national team. He remarked that taking charge of France represented the pinnacle of his professional ambition, stating that nothing surpasses the honor of representing one’s country. He expressed gratitude to the FFF president and executive committee for their confidence in his leadership, adding that he harbors immense ambition for the team’s future.

Zidane’s era will officially begin on 25 September, when France face Turkey in a Nations League fixture. With a contract extending through to 2030, the French Football Federation has placed its trust in one of the country’s greatest sporting figures to build a formidable team capable of dominating European and international competitions over the coming years.