Zidane Set To Replace Deschamps As France Prepare For New Coach Era
Zidane likely to succeed Deschamps as France coach
France’s football federation is set to announce a new head coach for the men’s national team, with former captain and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over from Didier Deschamps. The announcement was scheduled to be made by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo in Paris on Tuesday. Zidane’s expected appointment would mark a major change in leadership for the French national side after Deschamps’ successful 14-year tenure. Deschamps, who took charge in 2012, guided France to some of the biggest achievements in international football, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
The former France midfielder and captain has been a key figure in the country’s football history. Zidane played a central role in France’s triumph at the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. Two years later, he helped Les Bleus win the European Championship in 2000. He was also awarded the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1998. Zidane’s transition from legendary player to elite manager was equally successful. During his time as head coach of Real Madrid, he led the Spanish club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, becoming one of the most decorated managers in European football history.
However, Zidane has been away from coaching since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 after his second spell in charge. Despite interest from several major clubs and national teams, he has remained without a managerial role, with the France job long considered a possible destination. The expected appointment would see Zidane inherit a squad filled with world-class talent, including several players who have established themselves as leading figures in European football.
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France has remained among the strongest international teams in recent years, consistently competing for major trophies under Deschamps. Deschamps’ departure follows France’s recent World Cup campaign, where the team reached the latter stages of the tournament before losing to Spain in the semi-finals. Although France fell short of another title, Deschamps’ record remains among the most impressive of any national team coach. Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they lost to Argentina on penalties after one of the most dramatic finals in tournament history.
His tenure also included success in the UEFA Nations League and consistent appearances in major competitions. Zidane’s potential appointment carries both expectation and pressure, given his achievements as a player and manager. While his club record is exceptional, leading a national team presents different challenges, including squad management, tournament preparation and handling the expectations of a football powerhouse. The move would also represent a symbolic transition between two generations of French football.
Zidane, who was once the face of France’s golden era as a player, would now be responsible for guiding a new generation of stars aiming to continue the country’s dominance on the international stage. The French Football Federation’s official announcement is expected to confirm whether Zidane will begin a new chapter with Les Bleus. If appointed, he will take charge of a team that enters its next phase with ambitions of winning future major tournaments while maintaining France’s status as one of world football’s elite nations.
Also Read: Didier Deschamps' 14-Year France Tenure Ends After World Cup 2026
