Zidane Takes the Helm of France National Team

Mon Sep 14 2026 11:12:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane confirmed as France head coach as Les Bleus aim for 2030 World Cup qualifiers

Football legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps after a 14‑year tenure. The former player‑turned‑coach will guide France through the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign, starting with a Nations League match against Turkey. Zidane’s resume boasts multiple Champions League titles, a 2018 World Cup win as a player, and a decorated managerial career that includes La Liga triumphs. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hailed Zidane as a legend and expressed pride in his appointment. The first competitive fixture under his leadership will come on 25 September.

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the head coach of the France national team.

France’s longest‑serving manager Didier Deschamps ended his 14‑year spell after a semi‑final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, a 1998 World Cup winner with France, had stepped away from management following his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021.

The 54‑year‑old, widely regarded as France’s greatest player, will lead the nation through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. In a statement at his news conference, Zidane said it was a "great source of pride" to coach Les Bleus following their fourth‑place finish at the World Cup.

"I want to thank 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," he added, further expressing gratitude to former coaches and outlining his ambitions for the national side.

Diallo described Zidane as a “legend” of French football, saying: "The appointment of Zinedine Zidane marks the meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus with a team of rare potential and highest ambitions."

Deschamps guided France to three major finals during his tenure, helping the country win its second World Cup title in 2018. Zidane’s first competitive fixture in charge will be a Nations League match against Turkey on 25 September.

Zidane’s coaching journey began in 2014 with Real Madrid Castilla and swiftly moved to the senior team in 2016, where he clinched three consecutive Champions League titles. He also won La Liga in 2016‑17 and again in 2019‑20 before departing after a trophy‑less 2020‑21 season.

As a player, Zidane started at Cannes, progressed through Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid, becoming a world‑record transfer in 2001. His most iconic moments include the volleyed winner in the 2002 Champions League final, two headed goals in the 1998 World Cup final, and the infamous penalty in the 2006 World Cup final where he was sent off after a headbutt on Marco Materazzi.

now waiting to steer France into the next decade of international success.