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.
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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.
