Zinedine Zidane named France's new national football coach

Zinedine Zidane, a revered figure in French football, officially accepted the role of head coach for the French national team on Tuesday. This appointment marks a significant moment in his coaching career, following a brief yet impressive tenure at Real Madrid. He now faces the challenging task of succeeding Didier Deschamps, his former teammate.

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), confirmed the widely anticipated news at the federation's headquarters. Zidane's candidacy for the position was described as having "imposed itself." At 54, 'Zizou' finally attains the position he has reportedly desired for years, capping a glorious playing career with the national team, which included a World Cup win in 1998 and a Euro 2000 title.

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It means continuity, a dream.

"It means continuity, a dream," Zidane stated during his presentation press conference, visibly emotional. He began by paying tribute to those battling severe wildfires in France, particularly in the Gironde department. Zidane had been without a coaching position since his second stint at Real Madrid concluded in 2021. During this period, he reportedly turned down numerous offers from clubs, holding out specifically for the French national team role.

"The position of coach of France was the only one I wanted. I have had proposals over these four or five years to manage clubs but I rejected them all for the French national team," Zidane revealed. He now takes over from Deschamps, who has managed the team since 2012 and whose contract ended after the 2026 World Cup, where France finished fourth. Deschamps led France to their second World Cup title in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, as well as the Euro 2016 final.

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The position of coach of France was the only one I wanted. I have had proposals over these four or five years to manage clubs but I rejected them all for the French national team.