This September, France will welcome a new figure on the touchline for the first time in 14 years.
By the time Tuesday morning’s announcement arrived, it was widely expected that Zinedine Zidane would replace Didier Deschamps this summer.
Talks between the former Real Madrid coach and the French federation began as early as February 2025, shortly after Zidane’s ex-team-mate Deschamps revealed he would step down following the 2026 World Cup.
At his presentation in Paris, Zidane underlined the years he has spent biding his time and preparing for this role.
He explained that he had turned down several opportunities over the past four or five years because managing the national team was the job he truly wanted.
Although his excitement set the tone of the news conference, the midfield icon shared few specifics about how he intends to approach the position.
He also sidestepped a question about Kylian Mbappé’s captaincy, saying the forward should rest for now and that they will speak in September.
Pressed on his preferred playing style, Zidane chose not to discuss tactical details.
He noted that he would first meet the players and set out his ideas, adding that it will be his task to keep the team winning.
Still, Zidane made it clear he plans to “do things differently.”
He also indicated there would be an element of continuity with Deschamps’ work, which he was quick to commend.
He said he would lean on what he knows best, without making a clean break from the past.
So, what can France expect from Zidane in the dugout?