The French Football Federation has named Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Didier Deschamps on a four-year contract.

The French Football Federation announced on Tuesday the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France national football team. Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps, who held the position for 14 years. The 54-year-old former international signed a four-year contract that officially begins on August 1, with his first matches in charge scheduled for September in the UEFA Nations League.

Transition of Leadership

Zidane takes over a squad managed by Deschamps since 2012. Under Deschamps, France achieved significant success, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, reaching the 2022 World Cup final, and appearing in the UEFA Euro 2016 final. Federation President Philippe Diallo confirmed the appointment followed consultations with the executive committee. Zidane’s first match as head coach is set for September 25 against Türkiye.

Coaching and Playing Background

Zidane, who has not managed a team since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, stated he declined all other coaching offers over the past five years to pursue the national team role. His coaching career began in 2013 as an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid before he managed the club's reserve team. He later led the senior Real Madrid squad to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. As a player, Zidane earned 108 caps for France, scoring 31 goals. He was a central figure in the 1998 World Cup victory and the Euro 2000 title. His playing career concluded after the 2006 World Cup final, and he remains the only coach to win three consecutive Champions League titles in the modern era.