PARIS: Zidane has officially become the new head coach of the France national football team, replacing long-serving manager Didier Deschamps after Les Bleus finished fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday during a press conference led by federation president Philippe Diallo, who paid tribute to Deschamps for becoming the longest-serving manager in France’s history before welcoming Zinedine Zidane to the role.

A French football legend, Zidane famously scored twice in France’s 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 FIFA World Cup final, helping the nation lift its first world title. The federation also announced the appointment across its official social media platforms with an image of the former midfielder alongside the national team’s iconic rooster emblem.

More than 100 words into France’s coaching transition, Zidane returns to international football after an extraordinary managerial career at Real Madrid, where he guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018—a feat unmatched in the competition’s modern era. He stepped down from the club in 2018 before returning for a second spell, ultimately leaving in 2021.

As a player, Zidane earned legendary status with France by scoring 31 international goals, winning the 1998 Ballon d’Or, lifting the 1998 FIFA World Cup and helping Les Bleus capture the UEFA Euro 2000 title. He later joined Real Madrid in 2001 and won the 2002 UEFA Champions League before retiring after the 2006 World Cup final.

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A Talented Squad Awaits Zidane

Zidane inherits one of international football’s strongest squads, featuring captain Kylian Mbappé, who finished the 2026 World Cup with 10 goals and became the first player to win back-to-back Golden Boot awards. Mbappé also extended his record as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 World Cup goals.

France also boasts 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, who scored six goals during the tournament, while Michael Olise set a new World Cup record for most assists, surpassing the previous mark held by Pelé.

Although France reached the latter stages of the tournament, Les Bleus ended their campaign with a defeat to England in the third-place playoff after a high-scoring encounter.

Deschamps Receives Emotional Farewell

Ahead of Didier Deschamps’ final match in charge, Mbappé paid tribute to the departing coach, thanking him for his leadership and the opportunity to represent France on the biggest stage throughout his international career.

With Zidane now at the helm, France begins a new chapter under one of the country’s greatest football icons, aiming to build on a golden generation and challenge for future international honours.