Zinedine Zidane Appointed New Head Coach of French National Football Team

Paris. Real Madrid's former manager Zinedine Zidane has been appointed the new head coach of the French national football team.

The 14-year tenure of Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, ended after France was defeated by Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane, who led France to the World Cup title in 1998, had been out of coaching since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. The 54-year-old Zidane, known as one of France's greatest players, will sign a contract to lead the national team until the 2030 World Cup.

He said that it was a great honor for him to be able to take charge of the French national team after achieving fourth place in the World Cup. After his appointment, Zidane said, 'I have often said, there is nothing bigger than the French national team. So it is a joy and certainly a great honor to be able to become the manager of this French national team.'

Speaking about the responsibility, he added, 'This is also a responsibility. I want to thank the President of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for believing in me. I also appreciate the 14 years of service of Didier and his team.'

He said, 'Today I also have special memories of all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.'