Top News

New Delhi: Zinedine Zidane has finally been named as the new head coach of the France national team, bringing an end to years of speculation over his future. The French Football Federation confirmed his appointment on Tuesday with the former France captain replacing Didier Deschamps after the team’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Deschamps left the role after 14 years in charge, ending one of the most successful periods in French football. France finished fourth at the World Cup after losing to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals before suffering a 6-4 defeat against England in the third-place play-off.

For Zidane, this is his first managerial job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. He had regularly been linked with the France position over the past few years and was widely seen as the ideal successor to Deschamps. Both men were part of France’s famous 1998 World Cup-winning squad, making the appointment feel like a natural step.

𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗭𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗘, 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗨 𝗦𝗘́𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗟’𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗣𝗘 𝗗𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 🐓🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/5ocGyYETNm

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 28, 2026

Although this is Zidane’s first experience as an international manager, his record at club level speaks for itself. During two spells at Real Madrid between 2016 and 2021, he built one of the most successful teams in modern football.

Under his leadership, Real Madrid became the first club in the Champions League era to win the competition three seasons in a row. Alongside those European triumphs, Zidane also guided the Spanish giants to two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two Spanish Super Cups.

Un coach au 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲̀𝘀 𝗫𝗫𝗟 arrive à la tête des Bleus 🏆💙 pic.twitter.com/yBuFi6poHB

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 28, 2026

Since stepping down from Madrid in May 2021, Zidane stayed away from coaching despite interest from several top clubs across Europe. He now returns to the touchline with the aim of taking France back to the top of international football.

Zidane’s first matches in charge will come in the UEFA Nations League later this year. France have been placed in a group with Türkiye, Belgium and Italy with their opening game against Türkiye on 25 September.

Looking further ahead, the biggest target will be Euro 2028 qualification and building a squad capable of winning another major tournament. With a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent available, expectations will be high as Zidane begins a new era with Les Bleus.