Zinedine Zidane Appointed France Head Coach After Deschamps' 14-Year Reign

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national team, replacing Didier Deschamps after 14 years in charge. Zidane, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, signed a four-year contract and will begin his tenure with a Nations League match against Türkiye in September. The former France captain said managing the national team had always been his dream.

French football legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national team, replacing Didier Deschamps after his 14-year tenure in charge.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the appointment on Tuesday, confirming that Zidane has signed a four-year contract that will officially begin on August 1.
The 54-year-old former France international is expected to take charge of his first match in September, when France face Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League on September 25.

ZIDANE CALLS FRANCE JOB A DREAM

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane revealed that he had turned down coaching opportunities over the past five years because managing the French national team was his ultimate ambition.
He said coaching France was "the only thing" he wanted to do and described the role as a dream.
Zidane's appointment brings one of France's most celebrated football figures back into the national spotlight, this time as the man responsible for leading the team from the touchline.

DESCHAMPS LEAVES AFTER 14 YEARS

Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who took charge of France in 2012 and became one of the most successful managers in the country's history.
Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reached the final of the 2022 tournament.
His team also reached the UEFA Euro 2016 final and the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
Deschamps' long tenure established France as one of the world's leading football nations, but his departure opened the door for a new era under Zidane.

ZIDANE RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL TEAM

Zidane is no stranger to French football or the international stage.
As a player, he made 108 appearances for France and scored 31 goals.
His greatest achievement with the national team came at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, when he scored twice in the final as France defeated Brazil to win the tournament on home soil.
He also helped France reach the 2006 World Cup final, although the match ended in controversy when Zidane was sent off in extra time after an incident involving Italian defender Marco Materazzi.
Italy eventually won the final on penalties, marking the end of Zidane's international playing career.

A SUCCESSFUL COACHING CAREER AT REAL MADRID

Zidane's managerial credentials were established during his time at Real Madrid.
He began his coaching career as Carlo Ancelotti's assistant at the Spanish club in 2013 before taking charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team.
In 2016, Zidane was appointed manager of Real Madrid's first team.
He immediately enjoyed remarkable success, leading the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles — an unprecedented achievement in the modern Champions League era.
Zidane stepped down in 2018 but returned to the club in 2019 and remained manager until 2021.
He has not coached a club since leaving Real Madrid, making the France job his first managerial position in five years.

A NEW ERA FOR FRANCE

Zidane now faces the challenge of maintaining France's position among international football's elite while developing a new generation of players.
His familiarity with French football, combined with his experience managing some of the world's biggest stars, will be central to his approach.
The appointment also carries significant expectations because of Zidane's legendary status as both a player and a coach.
His first major task will be to build on the foundation established by Deschamps while developing his own tactical identity.

ZIDANE'S JOURNEY WITH FRANCE BEGINS

Zidane's first match in charge against Türkiye in September will mark the beginning of a new chapter for French football.
For supporters, the appointment represents the return of a national icon who helped deliver France's first World Cup triumph as a player.
For the FFF, the decision is a major investment in a manager with proven success at the highest level.
The pressure will be high, but Zidane's appointment has already generated enormous excitement as France prepares to enter a new era under one of the most recognisable figures in world football.