Zinedine Zidane has officially become France's head coach, ending years of speculation after succeeding Didier Deschamps following the 2026 World Cup. The former Real Madrid manager was unveiled in Paris after discussions with the French Football Federation that began in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down.
Speaking at his first news conference, Zidane revealed that he had rejected several coaching offers over the past four or five years because managing the France national team was the only role he wanted. While expressing his excitement, he gave little away about his tactical plans or how he intends to shape the team.
Zinedine Zidane's appointment follows years of waiting
Zidane described taking charge of France as the opportunity he had been waiting for and admitted that coaching a national team would be a completely new experience for him. Despite that, he said he was not afraid of the challenge because it was exactly what he had wanted.
The new France coach explained that he would first meet his players before outlining his ideas. He also declined to discuss Kylian Mbappe's captaincy, saying the forward should first enjoy his rest before they speak in September.
France's national team enters a new era
Although Zidane avoided discussing tactical details, he confirmed that he intends to do things differently while maintaining some continuity with the work carried out by Didier Deschamps.
He praised his predecessor and made it clear that his arrival would not represent a complete break from the previous era. Instead, Zidane said he plans to build on the existing foundations while applying his own methods to keep France winning.
Kylian Mbappe and France stars back Zidane
Zidane's appointment has been warmly welcomed by supporters and players alike. Fans gathered outside the French Football Federation headquarters with banners and flares, while Kylian Mbappe posted "Welcome home" on Instagram.
Former France international Bixente Lizarazu described the appointment as a great day for French football, saying Zidane had already shown at Real Madrid that he could manage world-class players and strong personalities. His reputation and status are seen as major strengths when working with a squad featuring Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise.
Nations League fixtures begin Zidane's France reign
Zidane's four-year contract officially begins next month, with his coaching staff to be announced several weeks later. The upcoming international window will provide France's players with their first opportunity to adapt to the new manager's methods across four Nations League fixtures in three weeks.
His first match in charge will be away to Turkey before France face Belgium twice and host Italy in Paris. With widespread goodwill surrounding his appointment, Zidane will begin his tenure with the freedom to decide whether to introduce tactical changes or new faces as France embark on a new chapter.