The French Football Federation (FFF) has appointed Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France men’s national football team following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 54-year-old succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after a 14-year spell in charge of Les Bleus, bringing to an end one of the most successful managerial eras in French football.
Zidane’s appointment follows France’s disappointing World Cup campaign in North America, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals before losing to England in the third-place play-off.
The former France captain returns to management for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, having established himself as one of the game’s most successful coaches.
Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described the role as both an honour and a responsibility.
“I have often said there is nothing greater than the French national team. It is therefore a joy and obviously a great honour to become the coach of France. It is also a responsibility,” he said in a statement released by the FFF.
He also thanked FFF president Philippe Diallo, the federation’s executive committee and his predecessor Didier Deschamps for their confidence and contributions to French football.
Widely regarded as one of France’s greatest players, Zidane captained his country to its first FIFA World Cup title in 1998, scoring twice in the 3-0 victory over Brazil in the final, before helping France win the UEFA European Championship in 2000.
His international playing career ended at the 2006 World Cup after he was sent off in the final against Italy following his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi.
Zidane now hopes to emulate Deschamps by winning the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a coach.
At his official unveiling, the former Real Madrid manager revealed that leading the French national team had always been his ultimate coaching ambition.
“It’s a continuation for me, a dream come true. Over the last four or five years, I’ve received offers to lead a club and I rejected them all for the France national team. It’s the only thing I’ve wanted to do,” he said.
Zidane arrives with an outstanding managerial record after guiding Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies across two spells in charge.
His immediate focus will be preparing France for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with a squad expected to feature leading stars including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola.
“We’ll be doing things differently. Deschamps is Deschamps, Zidane is Zidane. I will do what I know how to do,” Zidane said. “I guarantee continuity so that the French national team keeps winning.”
