French football icon Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the French men’s national team on a four-year contract.
Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after leading France for 14 years.
The former Real Madrid manager will lead Les Bleus through the 2030 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The former France playmaker, who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship as a player waves to fans as he leaves after press conference to present him as the new head coach of France national football team at the French Football Federation (FFF) Headquarters in Paris on Tuesday July 28, 2026.
Zidane takes over from from his former teammate Didier Deschamps, who had been in charge since 2012. Deschamps’ tenure ended ended with a fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, following a title win in 2018 and a final appearance in 2022.
Zidane is expected to lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Zinedine Zidane, 54, won a record-setting three consecutive UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid.
Speaking on his new appointment, Real Madrid and Juventus legend stated his joy and pride at his appointment to the greatest job in football, appreciating his predecessor and acknowledging the responsibility handed to him, and his ambition for the team.
“A great source of pride” to lead the French national side following their fourth-place finish at FIFA World Cup.
“I’ve often said it, there’s nothing greater than the French national team. So it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team.
“It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank French Football Federation president Phillipe Diallo the executive committee, and French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier Deschamps and his staff.
“I also have special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team”, he added.
Diallo described Zidane as a “legend” of French football.
“The appointment Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation.
“It marks the meeting of legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions”
Deschamps, France’s longest serving manager, ended his stint in charge after the nation’s semi-finals exit to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He guided France to three major finals over his 14-year reign, helping the country to their second World Cup success with victory in 2018.
-9News Nigeria.
