The French Football Federation announced Tuesday the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of the French national team. The contract extends for four years, with French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo confirming Zidane will lead the team for the next four years. Zidane stated, in Arabic, that "تدريب المنتخب الوطني كان الهدف الوحيد الذي سعى إليه خلال السنوات الأخيرة" (coaching the national team was the only goal he had pursued in recent years). He added, "تلقيت عروضًا لتدريب أندية خلال الأعوام الأربعة أو الخمسة الماضية، لكنني رفضتها جميعًا من أجل المنتخب الفرنسي" (I received offers to coach clubs over the past four or five years, but I rejected them all for the French national team), calling it "استمرارية وحلمًا تحقق" (a continuation and a dream come true).
Zidane's Long-Held Ambition
Zinedine Zidane stated that coaching the national team was his sole goal in recent years. He had received offers to coach clubs over the past four or five years but rejected them all, prioritizing the French national team. Zidane's name had been consistently linked with succeeding Didier Deschamps for years, particularly following the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo began communicating with Zidane in February 2025 to present the project of leading the national team. The French Football Federation finalized its decision to appoint Zidane after the team's exit from the 2026 World Cup.
Deschamps' Storied Tenure Ends
Zinedine Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps, whose tenure as coach of the French national team concluded after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps had coached the French national team since 2012, overseeing a significant period of success for the squad. Under his leadership, France achieved a victory in the 2018 World Cup, securing one of football's most prestigious titles. Deschamps further guided the team to the final of the 2022 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up. His career with the national team concluded with France finishing fourth in the 2026 World Cup, marking the end of a long and impactful coaching era.
Zidane's Coaching Pedigree
Zinedine Zidane, 54, brings a distinguished coaching record to the French national team, having previously managed only Real Madrid. His tenure at the Spanish club spanned two periods: from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2021. During his initial spell, Zidane achieved a historic feat, guiding Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Before his coaching career, Zidane was a prominent player for France, earning 108 international caps. As a player, he led France to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He also played a key role in France's triumph at the 2000 UEFA European Championship.
Looking Ahead
The French national team is scheduled to hold its first training camp under Zinedine Zidane next September. The team will prepare for the start of the UEFA Nations League during this period. Zidane's first official match as coach will be against Turkey on September 25, marking the beginning of his new tenure.