Zinedine Zidane has officially been named the new head coach of the France national football team, taking over from Didier Deschamps after the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment at the federation’s headquarters in Paris on Tuesday. Zidane has signed a four-year contract and begins a new chapter with the national team he once led to World Cup glory as a player.

The former Real Madrid manager returns to coaching for the first time since stepping down from the Spanish club in 2021.

Zidane says France job was always his dream

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane admitted the role carried special meaning and revealed he had waited several years for the opportunity.

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane admitted the role carried special meaning and revealed he had waited several years for the opportunity. “I’m excited. The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team,” Zidane said. 

The 54-year-old also shared the emotions behind finally taking charge of Les Bleus. “I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional.”

As he reflected on the appointment, Zidane explained why he had stayed away from club management despite receiving offers.

“I’ve always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won’t hide it. That’s why I didn’t take a club side. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was taking the France team,” Zidane added.

FFF president hails Zidane’s appointment

Philippe Diallo described the arrival of Zidane as a landmark moment for French football. He called the appointment “an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me,” adding that Zidane “is one of the legends of French soccer.”

Diallo also revealed that discussions with Zidane began in February 2025 after Didier Deschamps confirmed he would leave his role following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zidane pays tribute to Didier Deschamps

Before looking ahead, Zidane acknowledged the work done by his predecessor. Deschamps guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and stepped down after Les Bleus were eliminated by Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 tournament.

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Zidane said, “Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win. I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) for these remarkable years.”

The former midfielder added that leading the national team was always his long-term ambition. “For me it’s a continuity, a dream. I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do,” Zidane acclaimed.

He also described the appointment as “an immense joy.” “I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge. That’s what motivates me,” Zidane added.

France set for a new playing style

Zidane indicated that France would adopt a different style under his leadership. The former playmaker wants his side to embrace attacking football, reflecting the approach that defined his own playing career.

“What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals. I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience,” Zidane said in view of his attacking football technique.

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When will Zidane make his France coaching debut?

Zidane’s first match as France head coach will come away to Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25. Three days later, Les Bleus will travel to Belgium for their second fixture.

French supporters will then get their first chance to see Zidane on the touchline at the Stade de France on October 2 when France host Italy.

The fixture also carries personal significance for Zidane, whose international playing career famously ended against Italy in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final.

Looking ahead to the upcoming schedule, he said, “I’ve noted all of the four matches to come, they’re in my head.”

Speaking about the Italy fixture, Zidane added, “Italy is special because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian. All of those things.”

FAQs

Why did Zinedine Zidane become France’s new coach?

Zidane was appointed by the French Football Federation after Didier Deschamps stepped down following the FIFA World Cup 2026.

When will Zinedine Zidane make his France coaching debut?

Zidane’s first match as France coach will be away against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25.