Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, had been out of management since 2021, following his second departure from Real Madrid.
The 54-year-old, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest players, will sign a contract that will see him lead the nation. He expressed his pride in taking on the role, stating there is “nothing greater than the French national team.”
Zidane’s Path to National Team Management
Zidane revealed that he had declined numerous club offers over the past five years, holding out for the opportunity to manage the French national team. He stated that this role was the only one he desired after his time with Real Madrid.
The former midfielder indicated that he had been observing a significant number of matches during his break from coaching, including those of the French national team. He noted the team’s substantial potential.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, described Zidane as a “legend” of French football. Diallo highlighted the appointment as a meeting between a respected coach and a team with considerable potential and high ambitions.
Managerial and Playing Career Highlights
Zidane’s managerial career began in 2014 with Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s B team. He took over the first team in January 2016, leading them to Champions League success that season with a victory over Atletico Madrid.
He guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, making them the first club to achieve back-to-back European crowns in the Champions League era and the first to win three in a row since Bayern Munich in 1976. He also secured La Liga titles in 2016-17 and 2019-20.
As a player, Zidane started his career at Cannes in 1989 before moving to Bordeaux and then Juventus in 1996. With Juventus, he helped the team win successive Serie A titles and reach consecutive Champions League finals.
In 2001, he joined Real Madrid for a then-world record transfer fee of £66 million. He scored a volleyed winner in the 2002 Champions League final as Madrid defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-1.
For the French national team, Zidane scored two headed goals in the 1998 World Cup final, where France beat Brazil 3-0 to win their first World Cup. He was also part of the France team that won Euro 2000.
Zidane’s final professional match was the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, where he scored an opener with a penalty. Italy later equalised, and the match went to extra time, during which Zidane was dismissed.
Transition and Future Outlook
Deschamps, France’s longest-serving manager, concluded his 14-year tenure after the nation’s semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup. During his time, France reached three major finals, including winning the World Cup in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League.
Zidane acknowledged Deschamps’ successful era, stating that he intends to maintain continuity while introducing his own approach. He emphasised his aim to ensure the French team continues to achieve success.
Zidane’s first competitive fixture in charge will be a Nations League trip to Turkey.
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Source: bbc.com
