Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the head coach of the France national team.
He replaces Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving
manager, who ended his 14-year stint in charge after the nation's semi-final
exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out
of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as head coach in
2021.
The 54-year-old, widely considered to be France's greatest
player, has signed a contract that will see him lead the nation through the
2030 World Cup qualifiers.
On being appointed, he said it was "a great source of
pride" to lead the French national side following their fourth-place
finish at the World Cup.
"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."
Diallo described the new head coach as a "legend"
of French football.
"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."
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