The French Football Federation (FFF) appointed Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France men's national soccer team on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The 54-year-old signed a four-year contract to succeed Didier Deschamps at the FFF headquarters in Paris.
Zidane takes charge of Les Bleus following Deschamps' departure after the 2026 World Cup, where France finished fourth after a semifinal loss to Spain and a third-place playoff defeat against England.
The appointment marks Zidane's return to managerial duties since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
Zidane's Long-Awaited Return
During a press conference in Paris, FFF President Philippe Diallo officially introduced the new manager, noting that initial talks began in February 2025 after Deschamps announced his intention to step down.
"I'm excited," Zidane said. "The France team makes you dream.
We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team."
The former Real Madrid manager revealed that he turned down multiple club offers during his five-year absence from management specifically to wait for the national team opportunity.
"I've waited five years for this chance, so that's why I'm a bit emotional," Zidane said.
"I've always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won't hide it."
Zidane emphasized that his sole managerial ambition after leaving Real Madrid was taking charge of Les Bleus. "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 said.
Diallo highlighted the significance of bringing in the former national team star, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player.
"It's an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me," Diallo said, adding that Zidane "is one of the legends of French soccer."
Zidane expressed his commitment to managing the national side and steering them toward future victories.
"I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club," he said.
"I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do."
"I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge," Zidane added. "That's what motivates me."
Zidane also acknowledged his predecessor's tenure, which included a World Cup title in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022.
"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."
Offensive Shift Ahead
Addressing the tactical future of the team, Zidane signaled an offensive shift in strategy compared to the approach used under Deschamps.
"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 referenced his upcoming fixtures, including an October 2 home match against Italy at Stade de France.
"I've noted all of the four matches to come, they're in my head," he said.
"Italy is special, because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian. All of those things."
In an official statement, Zidane elaborated on the honor of leading his home country. "I have often said there is nothing greater than the French national team.
It is therefore a joy and obviously a great honor to become the coach of France. It is also a responsibility," he said.
"I want to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee and the French Football Federation for their trust and salute the fourteen years of Didier and his staff," Zidane added.
"I also have a special thought today for all my teachers. Needless to say, I have a lot of ambition for the French Team!"
Reflecting on his journey from youth soccer to the senior national team, Zidane reiterated his long-held passion for the national setup.
"It's a continuation for me, a dream come true.
Over the last four or five years, I've received offers to lead a club and I rejected them all for the France national team," he said.
"It's the only thing I've wanted to do."
"I knew it since I was a kid. I began in the youth categories, I went through all the stages until reaching the national team.
I am going to give everything so that this team keeps winning, which is the only thing that motivates me," Zidane said.
Zidane concluded his presentation by outlining his philosophy while assuring continuity for the team's winning ambitions. "Soon, you will see my style.
We'll have a press conference in September. I love football," he said.
"I played as a number 10 and what motivates me is scoring goals. We'll be doing things differently.
Deschamps is Deschamps, [former France head coach Laurent] Blanc is Blanc, Zidane is Zidane."
"I will do what I know how to do. I guarantee continuity so that the French national team keeps winning," Zidane added.
Zidane's debut on the sidelines as France head coach is scheduled for September 25 away against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, followed by an away match against Belgium three days later.
