Zinédine Zidane: 'The France coach position was the only one I wanted'

Zinédine Zidane has officially been named the new head coach of the French national football team, a position he has long desired. The announcement was made by the French Football Federation (FFF) president, Philippe Diallo, at the federation's headquarters, confirming widespread speculation.

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The position of France coach 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.

At 54, Zidane steps into the role he has reportedly waited years for, following a stellar playing career that saw him lead France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. His coaching credentials include an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018. "In February 2025, I met with Zinédine Zidane to offer him the position," Diallo revealed.

Zidane, visibly emotional during the presentation press conference, described the appointment as "continuity, a dream." He took a moment to pay tribute to the firefighters and agricultural workers battling severe wildfires across France, particularly in the Gironde region. This gesture underscored his connection to national concerns beyond the sport.

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Continuity, a dream.

Having been without a club since his second spell at Real Madrid ended in 2021, Zidane had reportedly turned down numerous offers from other clubs, holding out for the French national team job. "The position of France coach 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.

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To all the people, firefighters, and the agricultural world who are fighting against the serious fires that are ravaging the country, especially in the Gironde department.

He now succeeds his former teammate Didier Deschamps, who managed the team since 2012. Deschamps' tenure saw France win the 2018 World Cup and reach the final of the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016. Zidane's name had frequently been linked as a potential successor, especially after the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but Deschamps' contract was renewed on both occasions. Zidane inherits a team with a strong legacy and the challenge of integrating stars like Kylian Mbappé.

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In February 2025, I met with Zinédine Zidane to offer him the position.