Mansion Sports – Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the French national team following the departure of Didier Deschamps.

The Real Madrid legend has signed a four-year contract with Les Bleus, ending the long speculation surrounding his highly anticipated return to the international football stage.

A New Era Begins

Zidane has finally been officially confirmed as the new head coach of the French national team. The Real Madrid legend takes over Deschamps’ position after signing a four-year contract to lead Les Bleus into a highly anticipated new era.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo officially introduced the 1998 World Cup winner during a major press conference held at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.

Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream as a Coach

Managing the French national team has long been considered Zidane’s greatest ambition. After experiencing a highly successful period at club level, the midfield legend openly expressed his desire to lead his country.

"I have said it many times: there is nothing greater than the French National Team. Therefore, it is a happiness and, of course, a great source of pride to become the coach of this French National Team," Zidane said on the official FFF website.

"I am also aware that this is a responsibility. I would like to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for the trust they have placed in me, as well as paying tribute to fourteen years of service from Didier and his staff."

"Today, I would also like to pay special tribute to all my coaches. Needless to say, I have very great ambitions for the French National Team."

Speaking at the press conference, he said: "There is an incredible team here, and I am delighted to be able to continue this continuity. This is a dream come true. I can tell you that I received offers to coach clubs, but I rejected all of them for the French national team."

"That is the only thing I wanted to do after my time at Real Madrid. I have known the French national team since I was a child, and I have gone through every level until reaching the senior team. Today, becoming its coach is the peak of everything. I will give everything to keep France at the top."

Bringing a Legendary Record

Zidane’s appointment brings together one of the greatest players in French football history with a squad filled with exceptional talent.

FFF president Diallo highlighted the perfect combination by describing the new coach as one of the most respected and successful managers of his generation.

"The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the coach of the French National Team is an immense source of pride for the French Football Federation," he said.

"It represents the meeting between a legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most successful and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with extraordinary potential that is driven by the highest ambitions."

Immediately Preparing for the Challenge

Zidane will officially begin his new role on August 1 and is expected to finalize his coaching staff by early September. He will have very little time to adapt before facing his first competitive matches.

His first campaign will begin in the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League, which starts in September. After that, the focus will quickly shift toward securing qualification for Euro 2028. Ultimately, Zidane’s main mission will be preparing the star-studded squad for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.