Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the French national team.
He succeeds Didier Deschamps, France’s longest-serving manager, who stepped down after 14 years following the team’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain in 2026.
A World Cup winner in 1998 and widely regarded as France’s greatest player, the 54-year-old has not managed since ending his second spell in charge of Real Madrid in 2021. His contract will run through the qualification campaign for the 2030 World Cup.
Zidane said taking over Les Bleus is a source of immense pride and responsibility. He thanked French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the FFF for their trust, and paid tribute to Deschamps and his staff for their 14 years of service. He also acknowledged the influence of his own coaches and outlined high ambitions for the team.
Diallo hailed Zidane as a legend of French football and called the appointment a proud moment for the federation, uniting one of the game’s most decorated coaches with a squad of exceptional potential and lofty goals.
Deschamps led France to three major finals and the 2018 World Cup title during his tenure.
Zidane’s first competitive match will be a Nations League away fixture against Turkey on 25 September.