Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps after their exit in the World Cup semi-finals, and he expressed his emotional response during his announcement.
Deschamps confirmed in January 2025 that he would step down after the summer World Cup, where France was eliminated in the semifinals by European champions Spain with a 2-0 loss.
Zidane had been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three Champions League titles and two La Liga championships.
Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid (Getty)
The former France captain was widely considered a potential successor to Deschamps, who led the national team for 14 years, and has now signed a long-term contract.
“I have always said that there is nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane stated. “Therefore, it brings me joy and immense pride to take on the role of manager for this team.”
“I have waited five years for this opportunity, so I am feeling a bit emotional. This is the happiest day of my coaching career. I have always been a fan of this team and also aspired to coach it; I will not hide that. That’s why I didn’t pursue a club job. After leaving Madrid, my only goal was to manage the France team.”
Zidane thanked [French Football Federation] President Philippe Diallo and acknowledged Deschamps and his staff for their 14 years of service, adding, “I also have a special thought for all my coaches. I have high ambitions for the French national team.”
Deschamps stepped down after leading France to three major finals, including World Cup success in 2018, making him the third person to win the World Cup both as a player and as a manager.
Zidane, who earned 108 caps for France and played a pivotal role in their 1998 World Cup win, is remembered for his two goals in the final, as well as for lifting the European Championship trophy in 2000. His playing career ended in dramatic fashion when he was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting Marco Materazzi.
Zinedine Zidane starred as France won the World Cup in 1998 (Getty)
Interestingly, Zidane’s first home match at the Stade de France will be against Italy on October 2—a significant date marking over 20 years since the incident involving his infamous headbutt. Before that, he will lead the team on away trips to Turkey and Belgium later in September.
“I’ve noted down all the upcoming matches; they are in my thoughts,” Zidane mentioned, nodding at his forehead. “Italy holds a special meaning for me because I have played there, know the people, and speak the language.”
The 54-year-old began his coaching journey at Real Madrid Castilla in 2014, spending two seasons there before advancing to the first team.
While there, Zidane became the first coach to win three consecutive Champions League titles, resigning in 2018 but returning the following year to secure another La Liga title and a Supercopa de España.
He made it clear that after leaving the Bernabeu, his focus was solely on the French national team.
“I received multiple club offers during the five years I was away, but I turned them all down for the France team. That’s all I wanted to do,” Zidane stated.
“I’m filled with emotions and ready to take on this challenge. That’s what inspires me.”
Zidane commended Deschamps for his achievements, including the 2018 World Cup win, but indicated he would implement a different style of play than his predecessor, who faced some criticism for a pragmatic approach.
“Today, I have the chance to lead this team, and I will commit myself to ensure we achieve victories,” Zidane added. “I also want to congratulate Didi [Deschamps] for his remarkable tenure.”
“What drives me is the game; I was a No. 10, I appreciate goals. I was a leader on the field, and now I want to be a leader through experience.”
With the extension of his contract, Zidane’s goal will be to maximize the potential of a talented generation of attacking players, as France sets its sights on being a frontrunner in both Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.