Zinedine Zidane Officially Named New France Head Coach Replacing Didier Deschamps

PARIS — Legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane has been officially named the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding long-serving manager Didier Deschamps. The historic appointment was formally announced on Tuesday by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo. Zidane, 54, takes over the national team after waiting years for the coveted opportunity, having out of management since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021—where he famously guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. Deschamps stepped down following France’s semifinal exit against Spain in the 2026 World Cup, concluding a highly successful 14-year tenure highlighted by a World Cup victory in 2018 and a final appearance in 2022. Zidane, who famously inspired France to their first World Cup triumph as a player in 1998, will now prepare Les Bleus for their upcoming Nations League fixtures in September against Turkey and Belgium.