Zinedine Zidane confirmed as France head coach
Former Real Madrid manager takes over the France national team from Didier Deschamps, leading them through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has been officially confirmed as France head coach.
- He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years following the 2026 World Cup.
- Zidane's contract covers the 2030 World Cup qualifiers and Euro 2028 campaign.
- His first competitive fixture in charge will be a Nations League match against Turkey on September 25.
French football has entered a new era as Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former playmaker and Real Madrid manager, has been officially appointed as the head coach of the France national team, ending a hiatus from management that began in 2021.
This major appointment follows the departure of Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, who ended his 14-year reign after the nation's semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, 54, widely regarded as France's greatest ever player, had long been linked with the national team role, with speculation first arising after their group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Upon taking the job, Zidane expressed that leading the French national side is a great source of pride and a heavy responsibility, while thanking French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo and acknowledging the 14-year service of Deschamps and his staff. The newly appointed coach will make his managerial debut in a competitive fixture away to Turkey in the Nations League on September 25.
Zidane's arrival marks a fascinating chapter for Les Bleus, given his unprecedented success at club level where he guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles. Bringing a figure of his stature to international management represents a strategic move by the French Football Federation to harness a golden generation of talent and chase further global dominance.
F أما Fédération Française de Football president Philippe Diallo described the new boss as a true legend of French football, emphasizing that his appointment is a source of immense pride and marks the perfect union between a decorated icon and a squad boasting rare potential. Zidane will now focus on steering the team toward the Euro 2028 qualifiers and beyond.
Source: BBC Sport
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