France’s greatest icon returns! Zinedine Zidane appointed head coach

Zinedine Zidane, the newly appointed coach of the French national soccer team, left, poses with the president of the French soccer federation, Philippe Diallo (AP Photo) France has finally turned to one of its biggest icons, appointing Zinedine Zidane as its new head coach after Didier Deschamps stepped down after the 2026 World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, handing the former Real Madrid manager a four-year deal. FFF president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s arrival at the federation’s headquarters in Paris, describing the appointment as a landmark for French football. “It’s a special moment, special because of the person sitting next to me,” Diallo said. “Zidane is one of the legends of French football.” For Zidane, this appointment marks the fulfillment of a dream he has been waiting years to realize. The 54-year-old, who has not trained since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, admitted he had deliberately stayed away from club football in anticipation of one opportunity. “I’m excited,” Zidane said, clenching his fists. “The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.” “I’ve been waiting for this chance for five years, so I’m a bit emotional,” he added, calling it the happiest day of his coaching career. The former France captain admitted that leading the national team was always his main ambition after leaving Madrid. “I’ve always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won’t hide it,” said Zidane. “That’s why I didn’t take the club side. I told myself that the only thing I want to do after Madrid is to take the France team.” He revealed that several offers came in during his time away from management, but none swayed him from his goal. “For me it’s continuity, a dream,” Zidane said. “During the five years I was away, I had some offers to take charge of the club, but I turned them all down for the French team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.” Zidane described his role as “an immense joy” and said he was eager to take on the challenge. “I have so many emotions, I’m ready for the challenge,” he said. “That’s what motivates me. The French great also paid tribute to his predecessor Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup title before stepping down following Les Bleus’ semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. “Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win,” Zidane said. “I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) on these remarkable years. Diallo revealed that discussions with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps informed the federation that he intended to leave after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane respected Deschamps’ achievements and hinted that his French side would have a different identity. “What motivates me is the game, I was number 10, I like goals,” said Zidane. “I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader based on experience. Zidane’s first game in charge comes in Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, before another away game against Belgium three days later. French supporters will get their first chance to see him on the touchline at the Stade de France on October 2 when France host Italy, exactly 20 years after Zidane’s infamous red card in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final for head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi. “I have recorded all four games that are coming, they are in my head,” Zidane said. “Italy is special because I played there, because I know the people, because I speak Italian. All these things.”