Zinedine Zidane has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment on Tuesday, July 28, at the FFF headquarters in Paris. Zidane, a national icon and legendary former playmaker, has signed a four-year contract.
Zidane takes over following France's fourth-place finish and semifinal exit from the World Cup 2026. His primary objectives under the new agreement include Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. He replaces Deschamps, who spent 14 years managing the squad.
The 54-year-old former captain and 1998 Ballon d'Or winner returns to coaching after five years away from the game, having last managed Real Madrid in 2021. Long viewed as the leading candidate for the role, Zidane had previously made no secret of his desire to lead Les Bleus.
The appointment drew significant attention, with more than 120 journalists and photographers attending the presentation at the federation headquarters. Zidane was greeted by a large gathering of cheering fans upon his arrival. Expressing his feelings on the new role, Zidane said, "I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge."