Zinedine Zidane takes charge of France: Can he harness their star power?
Zinedine Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps as France manager on a four-year deal, stepping up after years of waiting.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Zinedine Zidane takes over as France manager succeeding Didier Deschamps.
- Talks between Zidane and the French football authorities began in February 2025.
- Zidane signed a four-year deal starting next month with his coaching staff announced later.
- Players and fans gave an overwhelmingly positive reaction including a welcome from Kylian Mbappe.
In September, the France national team will feature a new face on the touchline for the first time in 14 years. The appointment of Zinedine Zidane to succeed Didier Deschamps this summer had long been an open secret before it was officially announced on Tuesday morning.
Discussions between the former Real Madrid manager and the French football authorities kicked off as early as February 2025, following his former team-mate Deschamps' announcement that he would step down after the 2026 World Cup. At his unveiling in Paris, Zidane emphasized the extensive time he spent waiting and preparing for the opportunity.
While his enthusiasm was clear during the news conference, the midfield legend avoided going into tactical specifics. However, he confirmed his intention "to do things differently" while also promising a degree of continuation from the successful work of his predecessor.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"I was a number 10 as a player."
That remark hinted that he intends to retain the tactical setup where Michael Olise thrived during the summer. With the team having scored 20 goals in North America, Deschamps laid solid foundations, handing Zidane a squad in immeasurably better shape than the state of the team following the 2010 World Cup fiasco.
Zidane's appointment introduces a fascinating dynamic because his legendary status and aura equal or even overshadow the star players in the dressing room. Having managed big egos successfully at Real Madrid, he is uniquely equipped for this squad, though his five-year hiatus from management adds an element of intrigue to his return.
Reaction from players and supporters was overwhelmingly positive, with fans greeting him outside the French Football Federation headquarters with flares and banners. Kylian Mbappe later posted on Instagram saying, "Welcome home," adding that Zidane is more than fit to manage Les Bleus given his track record.
Zidane's four-year contract begins next month, with his opening matches consisting of four Nations League fixtures over three weeks, starting with a trip to Turkey, games against Belgium, and a match against Italy in Paris at the Stade de France.
Source: BBC Sport
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