inedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, marking his return to management after nearly five years away from the touchline.
The former France captain succeeds Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year spell in charge came to an end following Les Bleus’ semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps leaves as the longest-serving manager in France’s history, having guided the national team to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final during his successful tenure.
Zidane returns to coaching after leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021. During his two spells with the Spanish giants, he established himself as one of the game’s most successful managers, winning multiple major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
The 54-year-old is regarded as one of France’s greatest football figures, having inspired the national team to its first FIFA World Cup triumph on home soil in 1998 before helping the country win the UEFA European Championship two years later.
His appointment ends years of speculation linking him with the France job, a role many believed he had been waiting for since stepping away from club football.
Zidane now takes charge of a talented French squad as preparations begin for the next international cycle, with expectations high that he can build on the foundations left by Deschamps and lead France to further success on the global stage.
