Zidane, France’s new head coach: ‘It was the only thing I wanted’
“Over the past few years I’ve received other offers from clubs, but I turned them all down to wait for the national team,” said the former French champion, commenting on his appointment to replace Didier Deschamps
“It’s an immense joy. I’m delighted with what’s happening to me today. I’m lost for words. I’m keeping my cool, yet I’m brimming with emotion. I’m ready to take on the challenge. That’s what’s driving me today.” These are the words of Zinedine Zidane on his appointment as the new manager of the French national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps. “Coaching France was the only thing I wanted to do,” added Zizou. “Over the years I’ve received other offers from clubs, but I turned them all down to wait for the national team.”
The former French champion is set to become the new head coach of the French national team from 1 September. The announcement was made by the president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, who formalised the handover from Deschamps, who has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2012.
The outgoing manager is stepping down after fourteen years and 187 matches, bringing his tenure to a close with a semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Spain. For weeks, Zidane had been tipped as the natural successor to his former team-mate, with whom he shared some of the most glorious moments in the history of French football, including victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
For Zizou, aged 54, this marks his return to the dugout after a four-year hiatus. The former star player has so far only managed Real Madrid Castilla and Real Madrid’s first team, with whom he wrote one of the most successful chapters in European football, winning three consecutive Champions Leagues between 2016 and 2018, as well as two La Liga titles and other international trophies. During his time in Madrid, he managed stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
Zidane’s appointment heralds a new era for the French national team, with the aim of reviving Les Bleus’ ambitions ahead of the upcoming international competitions. His contract ties him to the French Football Federation until 2030, with the aim of leading France at the 2028 European Championships and the 2030 World Cup.
