The wait is over after years of anticipation. On July 28, the French Football Federation (FFF) formally named Zinédine Zidane as head coach of the France national team. A defining figure of French football, world champion in 1998 and former successful Real Madrid boss, “Zizou” succeeds Didier Deschamps, his former teammate and captain, who steps down after fourteen years at the helm, marking one of the most storied eras in Les Bleus’ history.
Since the announcement of Didier Deschamps' departure after the 2026 World Cup, Zinédine Zidane's name has been repeatedly floated as the man to take charge of Les Bleus. Out of contract since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, the former No. 10 had long signaled that guiding the French side would be a major milestone in his career. The appointment was made official following a meeting of the FFF's executive committee, ahead of a press conference led by president Philippe Diallo. Zidane has agreed to steer the France team through to the 2030 World Cup.
Succeeding Didier Deschamps, Zinédine Zidane inherits a team with a remarkably rich recent trophy list. Having taken the helm in 2012, Deschamps led the Blues for fourteen years, notably winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, while guiding France to the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. He leaves behind a generation of talented players and a squad that has regularly been among the last four in major international competitions.
Zinedine Zidane, in his own right, embodies some of the most storied chapters in French football. A central architect of France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph and the Euro 2000 victory, he has also established himself as one of his generation’s most decorated coaches with Real Madrid, notably guiding them to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
The new head coach won’t waste any time getting straight to the point. After assembling his staff over the summer, Zinedine Zidane will officially take charge at the start of September. His first appointment is already lined up—a Nations League clash with Turkey—which will kick off his mandate at the helm of the France team. One thing is certain: the Zidane era is officially underway.
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