Zinedine Zidane to Become French National Team Coach After Deschamps Era
The French Football Federation (FFF) is finalizing Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as head coach of Les Bleus, succeeding Didier Deschamps after his final match—a World Cup third-place playoff against England on July 18, 2026. Zidane’s contract, reportedly worth €300,000–€450,000 monthly, begins September 1. He plans a major staff overhaul, including assistants from Real Madrid and Fabien Barthez as goalkeeping coach. The official announcement is expected within a week, with the first matches in Nations League games against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy.
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Zinedine Zidane Appointed French National Team Coach, Signs Four-Year Contract
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the French men's national football team, signing a four-year contract with the French Football Federation (FFF). The announcement was made at a press conference in Paris on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Zidane, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021, had long expressed his sole interest in leading the national team he helped win the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship as a player. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who announced his departure after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane emphasized continuity and his dream of coaching France, while addressing his commercial partnership with Adidas despite the FFF's Nike sponsorship. His first match will be a UEFA Nations League game against Turkey on September 25. The 54-year-old aims to build on Deschamps' foundation and bring greater attacking freedom to a talented squad.
Zinedine Zidane appointed France national team head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps
Zinedine Zidane has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the French men's national football team, signing a four-year contract. The announcement was made at a press conference at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris on July 28, 2026. Zidane, who had been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, had long stated his only interest in returning to coaching was to lead Les Bleus. He replaces Didier Deschamps, who decided in January 2025 to step down after the 2026 World Cup. The 54-year-old Zidane, a World Cup and European Championship winner as a player with France in 1998 and 2000, was greeted by enthusiastic fans outside the FFF building. The article explores Zidane's enigmatic personality, his deep connection to the national team, and the significance of his appointment for French football.
Zinedine Zidane Appointed France National Team Head Coach
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French men's national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps on a four-year contract. The announcement was made at a press conference at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris on July 28, 2026. Zidane, who had been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021, stated that coaching France was the only role he wanted. FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed that Zidane expressed his interest in January 2025, following Deschamps' decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, a national hero who led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship as a player, arrives with overwhelming fan support. The article notes his enigmatic personality and contrasts his serene demeanor with the infamous headbutt incident in the 2006 World Cup final.
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Zinedine Zidane Appointed France National Team Head Coach
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French men's national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps on a four-year contract. The announcement was made at a press conference at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris on July 28, 2026. Zidane, who had been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, stated that coaching France was the only role he wanted. The 54-year-old World Cup and European Championship winner as a player received an enthusiastic welcome from fans. FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed that Zidane had expressed his sole interest in the national team job as early as January 2025, following Deschamps' decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane's appointment marks a highly anticipated return to football for the iconic figure.
Zinedine Zidane Appointed France Manager After Five-Year Hiatus
Zinedine Zidane has been officially unveiled as the new manager of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. At his Paris press conference, an emotional Zidane stated he had waited years for this role, turning down other offers. He signaled continuity with Deschamps' attacking style but hinted at changes. The 54-year-old, who won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, faces the challenge of managing a star-studded squad including Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise. His appointment has been met with widespread enthusiasm from players and fans, with Mbappe posting 'Welcome home' on Instagram. Zidane's four-year contract begins in September 2026.
Zinedine Zidane's Comment About Spanish Influence Stirs Spanish Media During French National Team Presentation
During his official presentation as the new head coach of the French national team on July 28, 2026, Zinedine Zidane hinted at an attacking style of play influenced by his 25 years living in Spain. The former Real Madrid coach stated, 'I have lived 25 years in Spain, so you know what that means...' This remark was prominently featured by Spanish sports newspapers Marca and AS. Zidane also addressed the challenge of facing Spain, which defeated France in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, but emphasized his immediate focus is on the upcoming Nations League match against Turkey in September. The 54-year-old coach succeeds Didier Deschamps and aims to implement a game-driven, attacking philosophy while maintaining team balance.
French legend Zinedine Zidane to coach national team
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French footballer who led France to the 1998 World Cup title, has been named the next head coach of the French men's national team. He replaces Didier Deschamps, who had been in charge since 2012 and announced his retirement in January 2025 after the 2026 World Cup, where France lost to England in the third-place match. The four-year deal was announced on Tuesday, with Zidane officially starting on August 1. Zidane, 54, previously coached Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018) and two LaLiga titles. He has not coached since leaving Madrid five years ago, turning down other offers to wait for the France job. Zidane expressed that coaching France was his dream and that he is ready for the challenge. His first match will be against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25.
Zinedine Zidane Officially Appointed France Head Coach in Successful Press Conference Debut
On July 28, 2026, Zinedine Zidane was officially appointed as head coach of the French national football team (Les Bleus) in a highly anticipated press conference at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris. The 1998 World Cup champion and former Real Madrid manager, who had turned down club offers for years to wait for this role, expressed his joy and emphasized his long-held dream of coaching France. During the controlled but warm event, Zidane offered support for firefighters, praised predecessor Didier Deschamps, and addressed topics including tactics (promising a distinct 'Zizou' style), sponsorship contracts, player racism, and the imprisonment of journalist Christophe Gleizes in Algeria. He received applause from Federation members and journalists, then greeted employees and supporters outside. The conference was deemed a successful debut with no missteps.
Zinedine Zidane Meets France Fans After Official Presentation as National Team Coach
On July 28, 2026, Zinedine Zidane was officially presented as the new head coach of the France national football team (Les Bleus) by FFF president Philippe Diallo at the federation's headquarters. Following the press conference, Zidane went outside to meet supporters, signing autographs and posing for photos. The event marks Zidane's return to the French national setup, having previously led Real Madrid to multiple Champions League titles. Related coverage includes Zidane addressing racism, supporting Christophe Gleizes, describing the role as a 'dream,' and sending a message to those affected by wildfires in Gironde. Diallo revealed that initial discussions with Zidane began as early as February 2025. The appointment has generated significant media attention, with analysts discussing the risks and expectations surrounding Zidane's tenure.
Raymond Domenech Comments on Zinedine Zidane's Appointment as France Manager
Former France national team manager Raymond Domenech has offered his assessment of Zinedine Zidane's appointment as the new head of Les Bleus. Zidane was officially invested by French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, succeeding Didier Deschamps after his 14-year tenure. In an interview with Ouest France, Domenech acknowledged Zidane's background, experience, and notoriety as assets for conveying messages to the squad, but questioned how the former Real Madrid coach would handle the media, his reserved image, and player interaction at the international level. Domenech, who managed France from 2004 to 2010 and led the team to the 2006 World Cup final, emphasized that results will ultimately determine perceptions of Zidane's communication style and leadership.
Mbappé Welcomes Zidane as New France National Team Coach with 'Welcome Home' Message
On July 28, 2026, Zinedine Zidane was officially appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps after 14 years. The announcement came ten days after France lost the 2026 World Cup third-place match against England. FFF President Philippe Diallo introduced Zidane at a press conference, calling him 'one of our greatest legends.' Shortly after, France captain Kylian Mbappé posted an Instagram story with the message 'Welcome home' alongside a photo of Zidane. Mbappé had a standout World Cup, becoming France's all-time top scorer (66 goals) and the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals. Zidane stated he has not yet spoken with Mbappé about the captaincy, saying the priority is for the player to rest. Zidane's first matches will be in September during the Nations League, beginning a four-year term.
Former French National Team Press Chief Praises Zidane's 'Flawless' Presentation as New Coach
Zinedine Zidane was officially installed as the head coach of the French national team on July 28, 2026, during a press conference at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris. The 54-year-old former World Cup winner and Ballon d'Or recipient appeared emotional and sincere, expressing his joy at succeeding Didier Deschamps. He stated that he had turned down all club offers in recent years to prioritize coaching Les Bleus. Philippe Tournon, the former press chief of the French national team from 1998 to 2018, praised Zidane's performance as 'flawless' during the set-piece moments of the press conference. Tournon likened Zidane's demeanor to 'a kid at the foot of the Christmas tree who just found the toy he always dreamed of,' highlighting the coach's natural charisma and sincerity. Zidane also sent a message of support to firefighters and victims of wildfires ravaging parts of France.
Zidane Lives 'Dream' as Head Coach of France National Team, Says He Refused All Club Offers in Last Five Years
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, fulfilling a long-held dream. During a press conference at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters, Zidane stated that he had refused all club coaching offers over the past five years in anticipation of this opportunity. The former captain of Les Bleus, who led France to World Cup victory as a player in 1998, now takes over the national team. The announcement was made on July 28, 2026, with FFF President Philippe Diallo present. Zidane's previous coaching success includes three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Zidane Meets French National Team Supporters After Being Inaugurated as Head Coach
On July 28, 2026, Zinédine Zidane was officially inaugurated as the new head coach of the French national football team (Les Bleus). Immediately after his press conference at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris's 15th arrondissement, Zidane went outside to greet over a hundred waiting supporters. The fans welcomed him with drums, banners, flags, smoke bombs, and chants praising 'Zizou.' The 1998 World Cup champion, smiling, signed autographs and posed for photos. During his press conference, the 54-year-old coach expressed that taking the helm of the national team was a lifelong dream, stating he had refused club offers for four to five years specifically to wait for this opportunity. He pledged to give everything to ensure the team continues winning. The event marks a significant reunion, exactly 20 years after Zidane played his last match in the tricolor jersey.
France hires former soccer great Zinedine Zidane as men's national team coach
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French men's national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment on July 28, 2026, in Paris, giving Zidane a four-year contract. Zidane, who previously coached Real Madrid until 2021, expressed deep emotion, stating he had waited five years for this opportunity and turned down other club offers. He praised Deschamps for winning the 2018 World Cup and said France would play a more attacking style under his leadership. His first match will be an away Nations League game against Turkey on September 25, followed by a home match against Italy on October 2, marking 20 years since his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
Zinedine Zidane Signs First Autographs as France National Team Coach
Zinedine Zidane was officially appointed as the coach of the French national team on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. Shortly after his inauguration, he engaged with fans who came to welcome him, signing his first autographs in his new role. Surrounded by supporters waving French flags and wearing jerseys, Zidane received a warm reception. During his subsequent press conference, he expressed immense pride in finally taking charge of Les Bleus, a position he had aspired to for several years. The article highlights the symbolic start of his tenure and his immediate reconnection with the French public.
Zinedine Zidane's First Press Conference as France Coach: Emotion, Style, and Staff
Zinedine Zidane was officially appointed head coach of the French national team on July 28, 2026, at a press conference at the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters. Alongside FFF President Philippe Diallo, Zidane expressed deep emotion about fulfilling his dream of coaching Les Bleus. Diallo revealed that negotiations began in February 2025, shortly after Didier Deschamps announced his departure post-2026 World Cup. Zidane paid tribute to Deschamps and sent a message of support to firefighters battling wildfires in France. He also addressed the case of imprisoned journalist Christophe Gleizes. The press conference covered Zidane's playing style, staff plans, and his commitment to winning. The appointment marks the start of a four-year tenure for the French football legend.
France Appoint Zinedine Zidane as New Head Coach for 2030 World Cup Campaign
The French Football Federation (FFF) has appointed Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France national team, replacing Didier Deschamps. FFF president Philippe Diallo announced the decision at the federation's headquarters in Paris, revealing Zidane signed a four-year contract. Zidane, 54, has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 and stated he turned down all other offers to wait for the France job, calling it 'a dream' and 'an immense joy.' Diallo said he first met Zidane for talks in February 2025 after Deschamps indicated he would step down following the 2026 World Cup. Zidane praised Deschamps for winning the 2018 World Cup and said he is ready to lead the team toward the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The appointment marks Zidane's return to the national team he captained to World Cup glory in 1998.
Zinedine Zidane Appointed France National Team Head Coach, Expresses Emotion and Readiness
Zinedine Zidane was officially appointed as head coach of the French national football team on July 28, 2026, during a press conference at the FFF headquarters. Zidane expressed immense joy and emotion, calling the moment powerful and something he had waited 4-5 years for. He emphasized his desire to continue the winning legacy of predecessor Didier Deschamps, while noting the need for balance and leadership. Zidane has not yet spoken with Kylian Mbappé about the captaincy, and he highlighted the importance of fighting racism in football. His first challenge includes a match against Turkey in September.
Zidane Says He Turned Down All Club Offers for Five Years to Wait for France Job
During his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the French national team at the FFF headquarters in Paris, Zinédine Zidane revealed that he had deliberately waited for the position for four to five years. He stated that he received multiple offers to coach clubs during that period but turned them all down because coaching France was the only role he wanted after his playing career. Zidane, who had been without a position since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, expressed deep emotion and excitement about the appointment, calling it the pinnacle of his career and a powerful personal milestone.