After years of uncertainty over his next management position, Zinedine Zidane has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team.
At a press conference, the French Football Federation announced Zidane’s appointment. The former Real Madrid manager will take over for Didier Deschamps following his lengthy tenure as Les Bleus’ manager.
The announcement comes after transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano had reported that Zidane has signed a 2030-year contract with the French Football Federation. He is anticipated to captain France at both the FIFA World Cup in 2030 and Euro 2028.
One of the best managing records in French football is left by Deschamps. He has managed 187 games since taking over on July 8, 2012, with 122 victories, 32 draws, and 33 losses.
France won the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and placed second in 2022 under his direction.
With the national team he led to some of its greatest victories as a player, Zidane now embarks on a new chapter.
Zidane had a brilliant playing career with Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. He was born in Marseille on June 23, 1972.
He led France to victory in UEFA Euro 2000 after inspiring them to their first World Cup victory in 1998 and earning the Ballon d’Or the same year. Additionally, he won FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 1998, 2000, and 2003.
His career as a coach has been as remarkable. After Rafael Benitez was fired in January 2016, Zidane took over at Real Madrid, leading the Spanish powerhouse to a La Liga championship, a Spanish Super Cup, two FIFA Club World Cups, and two UEFA Super Cups in his first tenure.
In addition, he won the FIFA Best Men’s Coach title in 2017 and became the first manager to win the UEFA Champions League three times in a row.
After rejoining Real Madrid in March 2019, Zidane won La Liga again in 2020 before leaving at the conclusion of the 2020–21 season. Since then, he has not managed a national or club team.
The 54-year-old’s UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium on September 29 and Turkey on September 26 will mark the start of his France reign.
On October 3, he will play Italy in his first home game at the Stade de France.
