Zidane Named France Head Coach on Four-Year Deal
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France men’s national team for the
next four years, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday. The 54-year-old succeeds
Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a 1998 World Cup winner with France as a player, returns to management for the first time since
leaving Real Madrid in 2021. His contract, which begins on August 1, will run through the 2030 World
Cup.
He will lead the team in the UEFA Nations League qualifiers, Euro 2028, and the 2030 World Cup
qualifiers.
FFF President Philippe Diallo described the appointment as a source of immense pride, calling Zidane a
legend of French football.
Zidane expressed his excitement, saying it was a joy and great honour to coach the national team he has
been part of since childhood. “There is nothing greater than the French national team,” he stated.
As Real Madrid coach, Zidane won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016–2018) and
two La Liga titles. His return to the France bench fulfils a long-held ambition, having turned down club
offers to wait for this role.
His first matches will be in the Nations League in September, starting with an away game against Turkey.
Deschamps’ 14-year tenure included the 2018 World Cup victory and runner-up finish in 2022. France
finished fourth at the 2026 tournament after semi-final and third-place losses.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
