Ex- Real Madrid Boss Zidane Now France Head Coach

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national football team, ending years of speculation about his future with Les Bleus.

The appointment comes after Didier Deschamps stepped down following France’s semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps leaves after 14 years in charge, making him the longest-serving manager in the history of the French national team. During his time, he guided France to three major tournament finals, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the country’s second world title.

Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup as a player, has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 after his second spell as manager. The 54-year-old has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane expressed his excitement and pride at leading his country.

“I’ve often said it: there’s nothing greater than the French national team. So it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team,” he added.

“It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.

“I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo welcomed Zidane’s appointment, describing him as one of the country’s greatest football figures.

“The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation,” he said.

“It marks the meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions.”

Zidane’s first competitive match as France coach will be an away Nations League fixture against Turkey on 25 September. He will also lead the team into the qualifying campaign for Euro 2028 and later the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

As a manager, Zidane enjoyed remarkable success with Real Madrid. After beginning his coaching career with Real Madrid Castilla in 2014, he was promoted to the first team in January 2016. In his first season, he guided the club to the UEFA Champions League title after defeating Atletico Madrid in the final.

He went on to win three consecutive Champions League trophies, becoming the first manager to achieve that feat in the modern Champions League era. Zidane also led Real Madrid to the La Liga title in the 2016–17 season before leaving the club in 2018.

He returned to Madrid in 2019 and won another Spanish league title in the 2019–20 campaign. However, after a trophyless 2020–21 season, he stepped down and has not managed another team until now.

Before becoming a successful coach, Zidane built one of football’s greatest playing careers. He started at Cannes before moving to Bordeaux and later joined Juventus, where he won two Serie A titles. In 2001, he completed a then world-record £66 million move to Real Madrid and became one of the famous Galacticos alongside Ronaldo, Luis Figo and David Beckham.

Zidane also enjoyed unforgettable moments with France. He scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final as France defeated Brazil 3-0 to win the tournament for the first time. He later helped France win Euro 2000 and received the Ballon d’Or in 1998.

Although his international career ended in dramatic fashion after receiving a red card in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, Zidane remains one of France’s greatest football icons.