France Set To Announce Zinedine Zidane As New Head Coach
Zidane expected to lead France after Deschamps’ long tenure.
Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to be announced as the new head coach of the French national football team next Tuesday, replacing Didier Deschamps after his 14-year tenure in charge. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed that president Philippe Diallo will reveal the appointment during a news conference at the federation’s headquarters in Paris.
Zidane, 54, has been away from coaching since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, but remains one of the most successful managers in modern football history. During his time at Madrid, he guided the Spanish club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, establishing himself as one of the game’s elite coaches despite having managed only one club at the top level.
The expected appointment comes after Deschamps stepped down following France’s World Cup campaign, where the team reached the semifinals before losing to Spain. Deschamps had led France to major international success, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, while also guiding the team to the 2022 World Cup final, where they lost on penalties. France also finished runners-up at the 2016 European Championship held on home soil.
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Zidane has a deep connection with French football, having played a central role in the country’s greatest international achievements. As France’s creative midfielder, he helped the team win the 1998 World Cup and scored twice in the final against Brazil in a 3-0 victory. Two years later, he was part of the squad that lifted the European Championship trophy, further strengthening his legacy.
During his international career, Zidane made 108 appearances for France and scored 31 goals. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and played in the 2006 World Cup final, where he scored a memorable Panenka-style penalty before being sent off in extra time after an altercation with Italy defender Marco Materazzi.
Zidane’s first major challenge as France coach will come with a demanding schedule, beginning with Nations League matches against Turkey on September 25 and Belgium three days later. France will then face Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, as Zidane prepares to begin a new era for the national team.
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