Zinedine Zidane has officially been named the head coach of the French national football team. The 54-year-old icon was introduced at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris on July 28, 2026, marking the beginning of a four-year contract that extends through the 2030 World Cup.
Zidane steps into the position following the departure of Didier Deschamps, who led the team from 2012 until a fourth-place finish in the 2026 World Cup. During his own decorated playing career, Zidane secured the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship alongside Deschamps.
Addressing his appointment, the former Real Madrid manager described the position as his sole objective. After leaving his role in Spain in 2021, he declined various club opportunities to focus entirely on the prospect of leading his national side. FFF president Philippe Diallo noted that he began discussions with Zidane in early 2025, specifically citing the coach’s clear self-belief as a decisive factor.
While his coaching history is limited to his tenure at Real Madrid—where he achieved three straight Champions League victories—Zidane expressed readiness for the transition to international football. He is scheduled to manage his first match on September 25 against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, followed by a home debut versus Italy on October 2.
