Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid boss, has officially been appointed head coach of the French national team.
Didier Deschamps brought his 14-year tenure, the longest of any France manager, to an end after his team lost to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, who lifted the World Cup with France in 1998, has not held a managerial position since concluding his second spell in charge of Real Madrid in 2021.
Regarded by many as the finest player in French football history, the 54-year-old will agree to a deal covering the country’s qualification campaign for the 2030 World Cup.
Following his appointment, Zidane described taking charge of France as “an immense honour” after the team secured fourth place at the World Cup.
“I have said many times that nothing compares to the French national team. Becoming its coach therefore brings me enormous happiness and a deep sense of pride,” he said.
“The position also carries considerable responsibility. I am grateful to [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee and the French Football Federation for placing their trust in me. I would also like to recognise Didier and his staff for their 14 years of dedication.
“Today, I am also thinking especially of every coach who has helped me throughout my journey. It goes without saying that my goals for the French national team are extremely ambitious.”
During his 14 years at the helm, Deschamps took France to three major tournament finals and led the nation to its second World Cup title in 2018.
Zidane’s first official match as manager will be a Nations League encounter away to Turkey on 25 September.
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