The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the appointment of former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as the new head of the France men’s national team.
The association announced his appointment on Tuesday, with the French legend taking charge of the national team through to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
The role marks his first managerial job since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
The 54-year-old described his appointment as “a dream,” saying he turned down several offers to manage clubs while waiting for the France national team job.
“I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club, but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do,” he said.
He also congratulated Didier Deschamps for his remarkable years of service and support to the national team.
Deschamps managed France for 14 years, leading them to three World Cup finals and winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup before announcing his departure after the team’s semi-final loss against Spain in the 2026 World Cup.
Philippe Diallo, president of the football association, described Zidane’s appointment as a proud moment for French football.
“The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation.
“It marks the meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions.”
Zidane’s first test in charge will be a UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on September 25.
As a player, he established himself as one of the greatest of his generation.
In 1998, he scored a brace to seal France’s first-ever World Cup title over Brazil.
That year he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, before leading France to become European champions in 2000.
The attacking midfielder began his club career with Cannes before joining Bordeaux. He later signed for Juventus, where he won two Serie A titles, before completing a record move to Real Madrid in 2001.
Before retiring, he won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, the Intercontinental Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.
He was also named the FIFA Player of the Year three times.
In 2016, he returned to Madrid as the club’s head coach and won the Champions League three times in a row.
He had also won two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups.