Zinedine Zidane appointed France national team coach on four-year deal
The French Football Federation confirms Zidane’s return to management, ending months of speculation with a contract extending to the 2030 tournament.
Zinedine Zidane was officially unveiled on July 28 as the new head coach of the French national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The 54-year-old former player and manager returns to the role after a five-year absence from the game, signing a four-year contract that runs until the 2030 World Cup.
The appointment was confirmed by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo, who had previously hinted in March that the new manager required a strong connection with France. The selection ends months of speculation regarding Deschamps’ successor, with Zidane now tasked with leading the national side into the next major international cycle.
Zidane takes over from Deschamps, who stepped down following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps’ final game in charge was the third-place playoff against England, a match France lost 6-4. Jude Bellingham scored the winning goal for England in the 90+8th minute of that fixture.
Acknowledging the shift in responsibilities, Zidane noted the distinct differences between club and international management. He stated that while he has experienced the club side of the game, the national team role is a new challenge that does not scare him. The former Real Madrid star is considered a national icon with multiple successes as both a player and a coach.
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. The 2030 World Cup, which Zidane is contracted to lead, will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
