Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, fulfilling a long-held dream of his. The announcement was made by the French Football Federation at their headquarters in Paris on July 28, 2026, marking a new chapter for the team following Didier Deschamps' departure.

Zidane Takes the Helm

The former captain and World Cup winner Zidane takes over from Deschamps, who ended his tenure after a fourth-place finish at the recent World Cup. Zidane's contract is set for four years, and he expressed his eagerness to lead the national team. "The French team was the only thing I wanted to do," he stated. He had refrained from taking a club position, focusing solely on the opportunity to manage France.

A Legacy of Success

Deschamps, who coached the team for 14 years, leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having led France through 185 matches with 120 victories. His achievements include winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2020-21 Nations League, and reaching the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Zidane, who was a key player in the 1998 World Cup-winning squad alongside Deschamps, is now set to begin his coaching journey with an away UEFA Nations League match against Turkiye, followed by a home game against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.

As Zidane steps into this prestigious role, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the French football heritage, aiming to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.