Zinedine Zidane to take charge of France after Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign

Zinedine Zidane is poised to take over as the head coach of the French national football team, beginning September 1, according to French sports outlet L'Equipe. This transition marks the end of Didier Deschamps' extensive 14-year reign as manager.

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The FFF salutes and thanks the national team coach Didier Deschamps for the exceptional work accomplished at the helm of France since 2012. In leaving, in just a few days, his role as coach of the French National Team, Didier Deschamps brings to a close a quarter-century of exceptional commitment in service to Les Bleus and French football. There are careers that indelibly mark the history of an institution and a country.

Deschamps' tenure concluded following France's 6-4 loss to England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze medal match. Despite the final defeat, Deschamps' leadership since 2012 has been lauded by the French Football Federation (FFF). The FFF released a statement on X, praising his "exceptional work," long-standing commitment, and the "indelible mark" he has left on French football.

The FFF credited Deschamps with restoring France's international credibility and maintaining the team's elite status. His achievements include winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 Nations League title, and reaching multiple major finals, all while ensuring consistent high performance. The federation highlighted his embodiment of "rigour, discipline, a sense of the collective, and a love for the blue jersey."

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Didier Deschamps embodied rigour, discipline, a sense of the collective, and a love for the blue jersey. Under his leadership, for fourteen years, the French National Team regained credibility, respect, and affection while remaining at the highest level worldwide, winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League, and reaching several major finals, all while maintaining unparalleled consistency.

Beyond the statistics of 185 matches and 120 victories, the FFF emphasized Deschamps' role in fostering a culture of performance and responsibility. He is recognized for nurturing emerging talent, uniting various squads around strong values, and strengthening the bond between the national team and the French public. Deschamps, a former captain of the 1998 World Cup-winning team and the 2000 European Championship winners, leaves a significant legacy.

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Beyond the 185 matches played and 120 victories, Didier Deschamps passed on a culture of performance and responsibility that will remain a benchmark for generations to come. He nurtured the emergence of numerous internationals, united several squads around strong values, and helped strengthen the unique bond between the French people and their national team.