France has appointed football legend Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national team, ending years of speculation over his future and marking the start of a new chapter following Didier Deschamps' departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Real Madrid manager takes over after Deschamps ended his 14-year spell in charge following France's semi-final defeat to Spain at the World Cup. Zidane, who has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, has signed a contract that will see him guide France through the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 54-year-old, who inspired France to their first World Cup triumph as a player in 1998, said leading the national side is one of the greatest honours in football.
"I've often said it: there's nothing greater than the French national team. So it's a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team," he said.
"It's also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.
"I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team."
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo welcomed Zidane's appointment, describing him as one of the game's finest coaches.
"The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the French national team is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation," he said.
"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 succeeds Deschamps after one of the most successful periods in France's football history. During his time in charge, Deschamps guided the team to three major tournament finals and delivered the country's second World Cup title with victory in 2018 before ending his tenure after France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup.
The former midfielder begins his reign with a Nations League away fixture against Turkey on September 25 before turning his attention to France's qualifying campaign for Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
Zidane arrives with an outstanding coaching record built during two spells at Real Madrid. After starting his coaching career with Real Madrid Castilla in 2014, he was promoted to the senior team in January 2016 and immediately enjoyed remarkable success.
He led Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, becoming the first coach to achieve the feat in the competition's modern era. During his first spell, he also guided the Spanish giants to the 2016-17 La Liga title before stepping down in 2018.
Zidane returned to the Bernabeu in March 2019 and won another Spanish league title in the 2019-20 season. His second spell also included the arrivals of Eden Hazard and Rodrygo before he departed again following the trophyless 2020-21 campaign.
As a player, Zidane enjoyed one of football's greatest careers. He began at Cannes before moving to Bordeaux and later Juventus, where he won back-to-back Serie A titles. In 2001, he joined Real Madrid for a then world-record £66 million fee and famously scored the winning volley in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
His greatest moment in a France shirt came in the 1998 World Cup final, when he scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Brazil to secure the nation's first world title. He later helped France win Euro 2000 and returned from international retirement to inspire the team to the 2006 World Cup final, where his career ended in dramatic fashion after being sent off in extra time against Italy.
Zidane now takes charge of the French national team with the task of building on the foundation left by Deschamps as France target more success on the international stage.