The French Football Federation named Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France national team on Tuesday. The appointment followed Didier Deschamps stepping down after 14 years in charge. France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup after a semi final loss to Spain and a defeat to England in the third place match.
Zidane signed a four year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. He will take up the role officially on 1 August.
Zinedine Zidane last coached Real Madrid in 2021. He turned down several club offers during that period. The 54 year old World Cup winner from 1998 now prepares to lead Les Bleus in the UEFA Nations League.
His first competitive match will come against Turkey on 25 September. Further fixtures against Belgium and Italy will follow in the autumn campaign.
Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, announced the appointment at federation headquarters in Paris. He stated that contacts with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps confirmed his departure plans.
Diallo described the moment as exceptional. He noted that Zidane had long expressed a desire to coach the national team.
Zinedine Zidane addressed the responsibility of the role. “I have often said there is nothing greater than the French national team. It is therefore a joy and obviously a great honor to become the coach of France. It is also a responsibility,” he said.
He added that he held special thoughts for his former teachers. “Needless to say, I have a lot of ambition for the French Team!” Zidane declared. He also saluted the 14 years of service by Didier Deschamps and his staff.
