Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been officially confirmed as the head coach of the France national team. The 54-year-old, widely celebrated as France's greatest footballer, steps into the role after remaining out of management since ending his second stint in charge of Real Madrid in 2021. Under his new agreement with the French Football Federation, Zidane will direct the national team through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, while also guiding the squad into qualification for Euro 2028. The appointment follows France's fourth-place finish at the most recent World Cup tournament.
Reflections on Taking the National Helm
Upon his official appointment, Zinedine Zidane described taking charge of the national team as an extraordinary personal milestone. Expressing his emotions on assuming responsibility, he stated, "I've often said it: there's nothing greater than the French national team." He noted that stepping into the managerial seat brings immense joy alongside significant professional accountability. Zidane expressed appreciation to French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo and the executive committee for their trust, while acknowledging the 14-year tenure of predecessor Didier Deschamps and his staff. Extending recognition to all his former coaches, Zidane emphasized that his competitive ambitions for the French national squad remain exceptionally high.
Federation Endorsement and Deschamps' Legacy
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo welcomed the appointment by characterizing Zidane as an undisputed legend of French sport. Diallo highlighted that bringing Zidane on board represents a historic union between an iconic figure of Les Bleus and a national squad possessing rare international potential. Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps, who managed France over a 14-year era. During his extensive reign, Deschamps led the national side to three major international finals, highlighted by victory in the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Zidane's first competitive fixture on the sidelines will take place on September 25, when France travels to face Turkey in a UEFA Nations League match.
Dominance on the Real Madrid Bench
Following his retirement as an active player after the 2006 World Cup, Zidane delayed entering managerial roles until 2014, when he assumed leadership of Real Madrid Castilla, the club's official B team. He stepped up to coach Real Madrid's senior squad in January 2016. By the conclusion of that campaign, he steered the team to Champions League victory with a penalty shootout win over cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid. That title initiated an unprecedented continental run. Zidane directed Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League crowns in 2016, 2017, and 2018. This feat made Madrid the first club in the modern Champions League era to retain the European title back-to-back, and the first club to claim three consecutive European crowns since Bayern Munich in 1976. He also secured the 2016-17 La Liga championship before stepping down, citing a need for structural change at the Bernabeu.
Return to Spain and Subsequent Hiatus
In March 2019, Zidane answered an emergency call to return to Real Madrid amid a challenging stretch for the Spanish club. His second managerial spell produced another La Liga championship during the 2019-20 season. During this period, he supervised significant squad rebuild investments, including high-profile signings such as Eden Hazard and Rodrygo. However, Zidane departed the club following a trophyless 2020-21 campaign and opted to remain away from management until accepting the French national job. Speculation connecting Zidane to the France position dates back 16 years, when his name was first linked following France's group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup.
Illustrious Playing Career Across Europe
Zidane's reputation as a manager rests upon one of the most distinguished playing careers in football history. He began his professional journey at Cannes in 1989 before transferring to Bordeaux, later securing a high-profile move to Italian giants Juventus in 1996. Operating as an attacking midfielder, he helped Juventus capture consecutive Serie A titles and reach back-to-back Champions League finals. In 2001, Real Madrid acquired Zidane for a world-record transfer fee of £66 million. His arrival anchored the club's celebrated Galacticos era alongside international stars including Ronaldo, Luis Figo, and David Beckham. He immortalized his transfer fee during the 2002 Champions League final at Hampden Park, scoring a dramatic left-footed volley to defeat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1.
International Glory and World Cup Milestones
On the international stage, Zidane authored his defining player performance during the 1998 World Cup final in Paris. He scored two first-half headers against Brazil, securing a 3-0 victory that delivered France's first World Cup title and earned him the Ballon d'Or later that year. He subsequently helped France win Euro 2000, though the national team suffered premature exits at the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. After announcing his international retirement in 2004, Zidane was persuaded to return for the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign. He orchestrated France's run to the 2006 final against Italy, which marked his final appearance as a professional player. In that match, he opened the scoring with a seventh-minute Panenka penalty off the crossbar. However, following an extra-time altercation resulting in a red card for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, Zidane was dismissed before Italy won the final on penalties.
