With Zinédine Zidane officially appointed as the head coach of the French national team, the 1998 World Cup champion is gearing up to tackle one of the most significant challenges of his career.
By taking on the role of manager for Les Bleus, Zizou aspires to join an elite group of icons who have excelled both on the field and from the sidelines.
Here’s a glimpse at football legends who shone as both players and national team managers.
1. Didier Deschamps 🇫🇷
A true embodiment of a winning mentality, Deschamps personified consistency and excellence on the highest stage for over a decade before passing the torch to his former teammate.
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On the pitch: The courageous captain of the 1998 generation, he was the first Frenchman to lift the World Cup and guided Les Bleus to victory at Euro 2000.
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On the bench: Named the national team manager in 2012, he led France to World Cup glory in 2018, won the 2021 Nations League, and returned Les Bleus to the World Cup final in 2022.
2. Franz Beckenbauer 🇩🇪
An icon of German class and leadership, Beckenbauer redefined the sweeper position and translated his vision of football into successful tactics with the national team.
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On the pitch: The charismatic captain of West Germany and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner (1972, 1976), he won Euro 1972 and then the 1974 World Cup on home soil.
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On the bench: As manager of West Germany, he led the nation to the 1986 World Cup final and clinched the title at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, becoming the second person ever to win the World Cup both as a player and a coach.
3. Mário Zagallo 🇧🇷
The ultimate pioneer and the most decorated figure in World Cup history, Zagallo personified the golden era of Brazilian football.
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On the pitch: As a relentless left winger and tactician ahead of his time, he won consecutive World Cups with Brazil in 1958 and 1962 alongside Pelé.
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On the bench: In 1970, he took the reins of the Seleção and guided a historically great team to victory in the World Cup, later adding the 1997 Copa América to his accolades.
Lionel Scaloni 🇦🇷
Scaloni’s rise is one of the most remarkable modern trajectories, evolving from a diligent squad player to the architect of Argentina‘s resurgence.
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On the pitch: A tenacious right-back, he was crowned U20 world champion with Argentina in 1997 and played at the 2006 World Cup alongside a young Lionel Messi.
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On the bench: Appointed in 2018 amid skepticism, he revitalized the Albiceleste and achieved a historic treble: Copa América 2021, the 2022 World Cup, and Copa América 2024.
Dunga 🇧🇷
A gritty defensive midfielder, Dunga exemplifies the Brazilian tactical discipline that proved pivotal in continental and global tournaments.
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On the pitch: As Brazil’s iconic captain, he lifted the 1994 World Cup in the USA and claimed two Copa América titles (1989 and 1997).
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On the bench: Named head coach in 2006, he instilled discipline and secured the 2007 Copa América (defeating Argentina 3-0 in the final) as well as the 2009 Confederations Cup.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.