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French football icon Zinedine Zidane has taken charge of the French national team, with the French Football Federation (FFF) confirming his appointment as the successor to Didier Deschamps.
The 54-year-old former France captain has long been regarded as the leading candidate for the role and has waited several years for the opportunity to manage his country.
His appointment follows Deschamps’ departure after more than a decade in charge, a period that saw France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reach the final of the 2022 tournament before finishing fourth at the latest World Cup.
Speaking after his unveiling in Paris, Zidane described the appointment as a moment of immense pride.
“For me, it’s an immense joy, being able to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words,” Zidane said.
“I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today.”
Zidane has signed a four-year contract that will run until the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The former Real Madrid manager revealed that leading France had always been his preferred ambition, despite receiving offers from clubs after leaving the Spanish giants in 2021.
“The France job was the only one I wanted,” he said.
“I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team.”
Zidane arrives with an impressive coaching record, having guided Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, a feat unmatched in the modern era of the competition.
However, he acknowledged that managing a national team presents a different challenge.
“I think it’s a completely different job, that’s for sure,” Zidane said. “I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me.”
As a player, Zidane was instrumental in France’s greatest footballing achievements, scoring twice in the 1998 World Cup final victory over Brazil and helping the team win the 2000 European Championship.
FFF president Philippe Diallo said Zidane’s confidence and winning mentality influenced the decision to appoint him.
“During the conversations we had, he said to me, ‘President, I know how to win,’” Diallo said.
Zidane’s first match as France coach will be away against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, before he leads the team in a home fixture against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.
