France have finally turned to one of their greatest icons, appointing Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach after Didier Deschamps stepped down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, handing the former Real Madrid manager a four-year contract. FFF president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s arrival at the federation’s headquarters in Paris, describing the appointment as a landmark moment for French football. “This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me,” Diallo said. “Zidane is one of the legends of French soccer.” For Zidane, the appointment marks the fulfilment of a dream he had been waiting years to realise. The 54-year-old, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, admitted he 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 waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional,” he added, calling it the happiest day of his coaching career. The former France captain acknowledged that leading the national side had always been his ultimate ambition after leaving Madrid. “I’ve always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won’t hide it,” Zidane said. “That’s why I didn’t take a club side. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was taking the France team.” He revealed that several offers had come his way during his time away from management, but none tempted him away from his goal. “For me it’s a continuity, a dream,” Zidane said. “I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.” Describing the role as “an immense joy”, Zidane said he was eager to embrace the challenge. “I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge,” he said. “That’s what motivates me.” The French great also paid tribute to his predecessor, Didier Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title before stepping down after Les Bleus’ semifinal 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) for these remarkable years.” Diallo revealed that discussions with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps informed the federation that he intended to leave following the 2026 World Cup. While respecting Deschamps’ achievements, Zidane hinted that his France side would have a different identity. “What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals,” Zidane said. “I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience.” Zidane’s first match in charge will come away to Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, before another away fixture 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 headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi. “I’ve noted all of the four matches to come, they’re in my head,” Zidane said. “Italy is special, because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian. All of those things.”
