France has appointed World Cup-winning legend Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the men's national football team on a four-year contract, marking the beginning of a new era after Didier Deschamps' departure following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, ending years of speculation that had linked the former Real Madrid manager with the national team job.
Zidane, 54, succeeds Deschamps after France's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign. Despite entering the tournament in North America as one of the favourites, Les Bleus were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals before losing to England in the third-place playoff.
The appointment sees Zidane return to coaching for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
"There is nothing greater than the French national team," Zidane said in a statement released by the FFF.
"It is a joy and a great honour to become France's coach. It is also a responsibility. I thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee and the French Football Federation for their trust, and I salute Didier Deschamps and his staff for their fourteen years of service."
"I also have a special thought for all my teachers. I have a great deal of ambition for the French team," he added.
Few figures command as much respect in French football as Zidane, who inspired the country to its first FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998.
His two headed goals in the 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final remain among the defining moments in French sporting history.
He followed that achievement by leading France to victory at the UEFA European Championship in 2000, becoming a central figure in one of the country's most successful football generations.
His international playing career ended dramatically in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, where he was sent off after headbutting defender Marco Materazzi before France lost on penalties.
Although this will be Zidane's first role in international management, he arrives with one of the most decorated coaching records in club football.
During two spells at Real Madrid, he guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies, earning a reputation for managing elite talent under intense pressure.
Speaking during his unveiling, Zidane said coaching France had always been his ambition.
"This is a dream come true," he said. "Over the past four or five years I received offers from clubs, but I turned them all down because the French national team was the only job I wanted."
"I will give everything to ensure this team continues winning. That is my only motivation."Zidane inherits one of the world's most talented squads, led by captain Kylian Mbappé and supported by attacking stars Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.
His immediate challenge will be to mould that attacking depth into a balanced side capable of competing consistently at the highest level, while restoring the defensive solidity that underpinned France's 2018 World Cup triumph.
"We will do things differently," Zidane said. "Deschamps is Deschamps, Blanc is Blanc, and Zidane is Zidane. I will do what I know how to do while ensuring continuity so that France keeps winning."
The former midfield maestro now joins a select group seeking to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a coach—a feat achieved by only a handful of football's greatest figures.
