PARIS — Legendary French icon Zinedine Zidane has officially signed a four-year contract to become the new head coach of the France national team, a highly anticipated appointment extending until the 2030 World Cup. Speaking at his formal unveiling in Paris, the 54-year-old tactician expressed immense joy, revealing that the national team manager position was the only role he desired, leading him to decline numerous lucrative club offers since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Zidane succeeds his former 1998 World Cup-winning teammate Didier Deschamps, whose historic 14-year tenure concluded earlier this month following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup. Facing a new frontier in his managerial career after winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Zidane asserted that he is undeterred by the transition to international football and is fully driven to maintain France’s winning legacy.
French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo disclosed that initial discussions with Zidane began in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the 2026 tournament. Diallo emphasized that Zidane’s unwavering self-belief and a powerful assurance during negotiations—stating simply, “President, I know how to win”—ultimately cemented his selection to lead the former world champions. Following his press conference, Zidane spent time signing autographs and interacting with fans gathered outside the FFF headquarters. His highly anticipated debut on the sidelines for Les Bleus will take place on September 25 in an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey, followed by a blockbuster home debut against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.
