Zidane Named France National Team Manager
Ninoda.com – Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has officially taken on the role of head coach for the French national squad. The legendary midfielder steps into the position following Didier Deschamps’ departure after a remarkable fourteen-year tenure. Deschamps concluded his time in charge when France fell to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup tournament.
The 54-year-old Zidane, who captured World Cup glory with his country in 1998, returns to management after his second spell at Real Madrid ended in 2021. Widely regarded as France’s finest ever player, he will commit to a deal that carries him through the qualification campaign for the 2030 World Cup.
Expressing Pride and Ambition
Following France’s fourth-place World Cup finish, Zidane shared his feelings about the appointment. He stated that guiding the national side represented “a great source of pride” for him personally.
“I’ve often said it: there’s nothing greater than the French national team. So it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team,” he explained.
He continued by acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with the job. Zidane thanked French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the entire federation for their trust. He also recognized the fourteen years of dedicated service provided by Deschamps and his coaching staff.
“I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”
A Legend Returns Home
FFA president Philippe Diallo celebrated the appointment, calling Zidane a “legend” of French football. He emphasized that this decision brings together a historic figure from Les Bleus’ past with a squad full of potential.
“The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation,” Diallo declared. “It marks the meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions.”
Under Deschamps’ leadership, France reached three major finals. His crowning achievement came in 2018 when he guided the nation to their second World Cup triumph.
From Player to Coach
Zidane’s first competitive match as manager will see France travel to Turkey for a Nations League fixture on September 25. After hanging up his boots following the 2006 World Cup, he waited until 2014 before entering management, taking charge of Real Madrid Castilla.
His promotion to the first team in January 2016 proved transformative. By season’s end, he had secured Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid on penalties. This marked the beginning of three consecutive European titles for Madrid, making them the first club to achieve back-to-back Champions League wins in the modern era and the first to claim three straight since Bayern Munich’s feat in 1976.
La Liga success followed in 2016-17, though Zidane departed after the subsequent campaign, believing changes were necessary at the Bernabeu. He returned in March 2019 when the club struggled, adding another Spanish league title in 2019-20. During his second stint, he oversaw significant investment, welcoming players like Eden Hazard and Rodrygo to the squad.
Zidane’s final departure came after a trophyless 2020-21 season, and he has remained without a managerial position since. Interest in him for the France job began after the team’s early exit from the 2010 World Cup group stage. Now, sixteen years later, he finally accepts the challenge and will prepare the squad for Euro 2028 qualification.
