Zinedine Zidane appointed France national team coach on four-year deal
Zinedine Zidane has been named head coach of the French national team, signing a four-year contract that extends to the 2030 World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, ending speculation surrounding the succession of Didier Deschamps.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday that Zinedine Zidane, 54, has been appointed head coach of the France national football team. Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps, who stepped down following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup. The former Real Madrid star signed a four-year contract that runs until the 2030 World Cup, which is co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Zidane described the role as the only position he desired, having declined club offers over the past four to five years. Speaking at his unveiling in Paris, he stated, "The France job was the only one I wanted." He interacted with fans outside the FFF headquarters, signing autographs and taking photos following the announcement.
FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed he first met with Zidane in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the 2026 World Cup. Diallo noted that Zidane’s assertion that he "knows how to win" was a decisive factor in his appointment. "When he said that, I saw someone who had both the desire and the self-belief needed to lead France," Diallo said.
Zidane’s previous coaching role was at Real Madrid, where he left in 2021 after leading the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. As a player, he was a key member of France’s 1998 World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, and also won the 2000 European Championship. He follows former international teammates Laurent Blanc and Deschamps as head coach of the national side.
Zidane’s first match in charge will be an away fixture against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on 25 September. This will be followed by a home game against Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October. Zidane acknowledged the shift in responsibilities, stating, "I think it's a completely different job... I've experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn't scare me."
