Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France men’s national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The announcement was made on Tuesday, culminating years of speculation about his potential return to lead Les Bleus.
The former Real Madrid manager expressed his long-held desire for the role, stating that he had declined numerous club offers over the past four to five years specifically to manage the French national team. He described the appointment as the “only thing I wanted” and an “immense joy,” ready for the challenge ahead.
A long-awaited homecoming
The anticipation for Zidane’s arrival was palpable, with crowds of France fans gathering outside the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris. The atmosphere echoed the excitement from 2005 when Zidane returned from international retirement as a player.
The FFF president, Philippe Diallo, confirmed that discussions with the 1998 World Cup hero began in February 2025, following Deschamps’ announcement that he would step down. Diallo highlighted Zidane’s aura and ability, noting his dream to manage the national team.
Zidane’s contract is for four years and will officially commence next month, on August 1. His extended staff is expected to be unveiled in September, ahead of the first international matches of the new season.
His first match in charge is scheduled to be in Turkey on 25 September. A homecoming match against Italy is also anticipated, more than two decades after his final international appearance as a player.
Continuity and a new direction
Zidane acknowledged the successful era under Deschamps, which included a World Cup win in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League title. Despite this, he indicated that while there would be continuity, his approach would differ. He playfully remarked, “Laurent [Blanc] was Laurent, Didier was Didier, and Zizou is Zizou.”
He emphasized his focus on ensuring the team continues its winning ways, stating, “I’m going to give it my all to ensure this team keeps winning – that’s the only thing that drives me.” Zidane also mentioned his extensive observation of matches during his five-year break from coaching, including those of the French national team.
When asked about captain Kylian Mbappé and his playing style, Zidane stated he would meet with the team and its “extraordinary players” first. He noted that he would discuss his game plan and philosophy in detail later.
Zidane’s managerial career includes significant success with Real Madrid, where he secured two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2018. He departed Real Madrid for a second time in May 2021.
One of Zidane’s long-term objectives will be to compete with the reigning world champions, who have beaten France in three consecutive tournament semi-finals. He stated, “You have to beat all of the teams.”
The 54-year-old’s first public appearance as head coach did not delve into specific tactical details but conveyed his excitement and readiness for the role. He confirmed that he spent the last five years preparing for this opportunity, watching France as both a supporter and a future manager.
He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, stating that the job of a national team coach suits him well, offering a balance between personal life and professional commitments. His contract is set to begin on August 1.
Source: theguardian.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”