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Zinedine Zidane has now been officially named as the new head coach of the France national team after Didier Deschamps stepped down. The Real Madrid great has signed a four-year contract with Les Bleus, bringing an end to years of strong speculation over his much-awaited return to the international arena.

A New Era Begins

Zidane has at last been confirmed as the new France manager. The Real Madrid legend succeeds Deschamps, signing a four-year deal to take charge of Les Bleus and usher in a much-anticipated new era. French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo formally introduced the 1998 World Cup winner at a major press conference at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris.

Realising a lifelong managerial dream

Leading the French national team has long been seen as Zidane’s ultimate ambition. After his hugely successful spells in club football, the iconic midfielder had openly made clear his wish to manage his country.

“I’ve often said it: there’s nothing greater than the French National Team. It is therefore a joy and, of course, a great source of pride to become the manager of this French National Team,” Zidane said on the official FFF website.

“It is also a responsibility. I want to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and to acknowledge the fourteen years of service from Didier and his staff. I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French National Team.”

Speaking at a press conference, he said: “There is a great team here, and I am happy to be able to build on this continuity. It is a dream come true. I can tell you that I received offers to manage clubs, but I turned them all down for the French national team. It was the only thing I wanted to do after my time at Real Madrid. I knew the French national team when I was a kid, and I went through every stage until reaching the senior team. Today, becoming its manager represents the pinnacle. I will give everything to keep France at the top.”

Bringing a legendary pedigree

Zidane’s arrival brings together one of the finest players in French football history with an exceptionally gifted squad. FFF president Diallo underlined that ideal fit, calling the new coach one of the most admired and successful managers of his generation.

“The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as manager of the French National Team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation,” he admitted. “It marks the meeting of a legend of Les Bleus’ history, 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.”

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Hitting the ground running

Zidane will officially start his new job on August 1 and is expected to complete his backroom staff by early September. He has very little time to settle in before his first competitive matches arrive. His first campaign will be the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League, which begins in September. After that, attention will swiftly turn to sealing qualification for Euro 2028. In the long run, Zidane’s main task is to prepare his star-studded squad for the 2030 World Cup.