Zinedine Zidane Officially Takes Charge of France
_x000D_French football icon Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, fulfilling a role he has openly desired for years.
_x000D_The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Zidane’s appointment on Tuesday following the departure of Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after guiding France to a fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
_x000D_Zidane has signed a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
_x000D_ _x000D_‘The Only Job I Wanted’
_x000D_Speaking during his official unveiling in Paris, Zidane admitted that coaching France was the only position he had been waiting for.
_x000D_“For me, it’s an immense joy to become the coach of the French national team,” Zidane said.
_x000D_He revealed that he rejected several club offers over the past four to five years because his dream was always to lead Les Bleus.
_x000D_According to Zidane, no other coaching opportunity compared to managing his country.
_x000D_ _x000D_Replacing Didier Deschamps
_x000D_Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who spent nearly 14 years as France manager.
_x000D_During his remarkable tenure, Deschamps guided France to:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- FIFA World Cup victory in 2018 _x000D_
- FIFA World Cup runner-up finish in 2022 _x000D_
- UEFA Nations League title _x000D_
- Fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup _x000D_
Deschamps remains one of the most successful managers in French football history.
_x000D_ _x000D_A Legendary Playing Career
_x000D_Before becoming one of football’s most respected coaches, Zidane enjoyed an extraordinary international playing career.
_x000D_He inspired France to victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, before helping the country win UEFA Euro 2000.
_x000D_His achievements made him one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
_x000D_ _x000D_Real Madrid Success Built His Coaching Reputation
_x000D_Although Zidane has coached only one club, Real Madrid, his managerial record is exceptional.
_x000D_During his time in Spain, he guided Madrid to:
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- Three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016, 2017 and 2018) _x000D_
- Multiple La Liga championships _x000D_
- FIFA Club World Cup titles _x000D_
- UEFA Super Cup victories _x000D_
His three straight Champions League triumphs remain one of the greatest achievements in modern football management.
_x000D_ _x000D_Ready for a New Challenge
_x000D_Zidane acknowledged that international football presents a completely different challenge compared to club management.
_x000D_However, he insisted he feels fully prepared for the responsibility and plans to manage the team in his own style rather than copying previous coaches.
_x000D_“I know how to win,” Zidane said confidently during his presentation.
_x000D_ _x000D_France’s Next Matches Under Zidane
_x000D_Zidane’s first competitive fixtures as France coach have already been scheduled.
_x000D_France will face:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Turkey away on September 25 in the UEFA Nations League. _x000D_
- Italy at the Stade de France on October 2. _x000D_
Supporters will be eager to see whether one of France’s greatest-ever players can also become one of its greatest national team managers.
_x000D_With his winning mentality, elite coaching experience, and deep connection to French football, Zidane now begins a new chapter aimed at leading France back to international glory.