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France Hires Former Football Great Zidane as Men’s National Team Coach
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France Hires Former Football Great Zidane as Men’s National Team Coach

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Zinedine Zidane has been appointed the new head coach of the French men's national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps.
  • Zidane, a legendary player for France, has signed a 4-year contract with the French Football Federation.
  • He takes over from Deschamps, who led the team to victory in the 2018 World Cup and stepped down after their semifinal exit in the recent World Cup.

Zinedine Zidane, a celebrated figure in French football, has officially taken the helm as the new head coach of the men's national team. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced his appointment Tuesday, marking a significant moment for the sport in the country.

This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me.

— Philippe DialloFrench Football Federation president, speaking at the announcement of Zidane's appointment.

FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed that Zidane has been given a 4-year contract. Diallo expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting Zidane's legendary status and his long-held dream of coaching the national squad. "This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me," Diallo stated.

Zinedine is one of the legends of French soccer and for many years he said one of his dreams was to take charge of the France team.

— Philippe DialloFrench Football Federation president, commenting on Zidane's long-held ambition.

Zidane, 54, returns to coaching after a hiatus since departing from Real Madrid in 2021. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who had a successful 14-year tenure, including leading France to a World Cup title in 2018. Deschamps stepped down following France's semifinal loss in the most recent World Cup.

I would like to thank Didier Deschamps and his staff for their work. For 14 years he led the France team to the top.

— Philippe DialloFrench Football Federation president, acknowledging the previous coach's contributions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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