Zinedine Zidane, the iconic French forward who once dazzled the world with his skillful performances, has been named the new head coach of the French men’s national team.
He succeeds Didier Deschamps, whose tenure ended after a fourth‑place finish at the 2026 tournament, and the French Football Federation praised the appointment, highlighting Zidane’s legendary career and the values he embodies.
Zidane’s first competitive fixtures will be against Turkey, Belgium and Italy, marking the start of a fresh campaign that will span the 2026‑2027 UEFA Nations League, the Euro 2028 qualifiers, the subsequent Nations League season and the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
A New Era for Les Bleus
The former Real Madrid and Juventus star expressed pride and ambition for the role, thanking the federation for its trust and outlining his vision for the squad’s future.
He will reveal the composition of his technical staff at the beginning of September, a move that will shape the tactical direction of the team.
Zidane joins an illustrious list of 18 coaches since Henri Guérin’s debut in 1964, a testament to the enduring prestige of the position.
His playing legacy includes scoring twice in France’s 3‑0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final and a controversial red card in the 2006 final, moments that have now become part of his coaching narrative.
The French Football Federation, led by President Philippe Diallo, emphasized that Zidane’s appointment aligns with the organization’s long‑term strategy and its commitment to excellence on and off the pitch.