Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach in anticipated homecoming
Zinedine Zidane has been named the new head coach of the France national team, marking his return to management after a five-year hiatus. The appointment, which was widely anticipated, sees Zidane succeed Didier Deschamps, who stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. Zidane’s contract is for four years and will commence next month.
During his unveiling in Paris, Zidane expressed his long-held desire for the role. He stated that he had received multiple offers from clubs over the past four or five years but had declined them all, as the national team was the only position he truly wanted. He described the moment as the greatest day of his managerial career, acknowledging his emotional connection to the French teams since his youth.
A New Era for Les Bleus
Talks between Zidane and the French football authorities began in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to depart. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), highlighted Zidane’s legendary status and his ability to inspire confidence, stating that the FFF sought someone with his aura and connection to the fans to lead one of the world’s top national teams.
Zidane acknowledged that leading a national team presents a new challenge compared to club management, but he expressed no fear. He emphasized his readiness for the role, stating, “This is what I wanted.” His first public appearance as head coach offered few specific details regarding his tactical plans, as he intends to meet with the players first to explain his approach.
When asked about the team’s style of play, Zidane, who played as a number 10, hinted at a continuation of an attacking approach. He noted that he was motivated by the game and scoring goals. While he confirmed his intention “to do things differently,” he also indicated that there would be a degree of “continuation” from his predecessor’s work, which he praised.
Zidane’s appointment comes after a successful era under Deschamps, during which France achieved significant international success, including a World Cup victory in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League title. Zidane is inheriting a team that is considered to be in strong shape.
The reaction to Zidane’s arrival has been largely positive among players and supporters. Crowds gathered outside the FFF headquarters in Paris to greet him with flares and banners. Kylian Mbappé welcomed him on social media, and former France teammate Bixente Lizarazu called it “a great day for French football,” citing Zidane’s success with Real Madrid and his ability to manage high-profile players.
Challenges and Expectations
Zidane’s previous senior coaching experience was solely with Real Madrid, where he achieved considerable success, including two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2018. Despite his five years out of management, he asserted that he had not been idle, having closely followed football, including the French national team, and identified its significant potential.
One of Zidane’s long-term goals will be to compete with the reigning world champions, who have defeated France in three consecutive tournament semi-finals. He acknowledged the challenge of facing strong opponents beyond just one team, stating, “You have to beat all of the teams.”
His full coaching team is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, ahead of the first international break. This period will include four Nations League fixtures over three weeks, providing the players with an initial experience of the new management style. Zidane’s first match in charge will be an away game in Turkey on 25 September.
His homecoming match in France will be against Italy at the Stade de France, an event anticipated to be a memorable occasion for French football fans.
Zidane’s iconic status within French football is expected to grant him a significant degree of goodwill, regardless of initial results. This leeway could allow him to experiment tactically and potentially introduce new players to the squad. The next international break will offer the France players a crash-course to the new management style.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Isla Hartley is a Sports Reporter at NewsUK. She covered the British summer of sport from Wimbledon to the Test grounds. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sports Studies from the University of Stirling and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Glasgow, she runs half-marathons and follows Scottish athletics. “The overlooked athlete usually has the better story.”
