This September, France will welcome a different figure to the technical area for the first time in 14 years.
Long before the decision was officially confirmed on Tuesday morning, it was widely understood that Zinedine Zidane would replace Didier Deschamps after the summer.
Discussions involving the former Real Madrid coach and French football officials began in February 2025. A few weeks earlier, Zidane’s former team-mate Deschamps had revealed that he would leave his position after the 2026 World Cup.
During his formal presentation in Paris, Zidane emphasized how long he had waited for this opportunity and how carefully he had prepared for it.
“I received several proposals over the past four or five years, but I rejected every one of them,” an emotional Zidane explained. “Managing the national side was the only role I truly wanted.”
Although his excitement about accepting the position dominated Tuesday morning’s media appearance in the French capital, the celebrated former midfielder revealed little about how he plans to manage the team.
He also avoided giving a direct answer about Kylian Mbappe remaining captain: “His priority at the moment is to recover and rest. We will have time to talk in September.”
Zidane was similarly reluctant to discuss tactical specifics when questioned about the style of football he intends to use.
“It is impossible to describe in only a few words how we will achieve victories. First, I need to begin the job, sit down with the players and communicate my ideas. Then it will be my responsibility to ensure the team continues producing successful results.”
Nevertheless, Zidane made clear that he wants “to introduce a different approach”.
He also suggested that some elements of his predecessor’s work would remain in place, while taking the opportunity to commend what Deschamps had achieved.
“I will focus on using my own strengths, although that does not mean changing absolutely everything.”
What, then, can Zidane add to the France national team?
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