Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the head coach of the France national team, ending Didier Deschamps' 14‑year reign after the 2026 World Cup semi‑final loss to Spain. The 54‑year‑old, a 1998 World Cup winner, will sign a contract to lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

Zidane said it is "a great source of pride" to coach Les Bleus, thanking French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo and acknowledging Deschamps' service. He highlighted high ambitions for the national side.

His first competitive fixture will be a Nations League match in Turkey on 25 September. Zidane’s coaching résumé includes three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a La Liga win in 2016‑17.

The appointment marks a historic moment for French football, pairing a legendary player‑coach with a team that holds rare potential and lofty goals for Euro 2028 and beyond.