France Begin A New Era Under Zinedine Zidane Following Didier Deschamps’ Departure After The 2026 World Cup

Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, bringing an end to years of speculation over when the French football icon would take charge of Les Bleus.

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Zidane’s appointment following Didier Deschamps’ departure after France’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with a semi-final defeat to Spain. Deschamps leaves as the longest-serving manager in France’s history, having spent 14 years in charge and guided the nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final, and another deep run in 2026.

Zidane, who has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, has signed a long-term contract that will see him lead France through the qualification campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. His first competitive match in charge is expected to come against Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League in September.

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described the role as one of the greatest honours of his career.

“I’ve often said there’s nothing greater than the French national team,” he said. “It’s a joy and a great source of pride to become the manager of this team. I also recognise the responsibility that comes with the position, and I have high ambitions for French football.”

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hailed the appointment, describing Zidane as both a legend of French football and one of the most respected coaches of the modern era. He expressed confidence that the former midfielder is the ideal person to guide an exceptionally talented generation of French players into the next phase of international competition.

Zidane’s appointment has long been expected. Since stepping away from Real Madrid, he had repeatedly been linked with the France job whenever questions arose over Deschamps’ future. Many within French football believed it was only a matter of time before one of the country’s greatest-ever players eventually took charge of the national side.

As a manager, Zidane built one of the most remarkable records in modern club football. After taking charge of Real Madrid in 2016, he led the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018—an achievement unmatched in the Champions League era. During his two spells at the Santiago Bernabéu, he also won two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and several domestic honours, cementing his reputation as one of football’s elite coaches despite a relatively short managerial career.

His legendary status, however, was established long before he entered the dugout.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history, Zidane enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid. At Juventus, he won two Serie A titles before moving to Real Madrid in 2001 for what was then a world-record transfer fee. He became one of the defining figures of the club’s famous “Galácticos” era, producing countless memorable performances, including his iconic left-footed volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final.

On the international stage, Zidane remains one of France’s greatest sporting heroes. He inspired his country to its first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, before leading France to UEFA Euro 2000 success. He also guided Les Bleus to the 2006 World Cup final, where his career ended dramatically after receiving a red card in extra time following his infamous headbutt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Despite the controversial ending, his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats has never been questioned.

Now, nearly two decades after retiring as a player, Zidane returns to the French national team with a new mission—not to inspire from midfield, but from the touchline. With one of the deepest talent pools in world football at his disposal, expectations will be high as he attempts to add international coaching success to an already extraordinary football career.