Zidane Appointed New Coach of French National Team

Zinedine Zidane was appointed as the coach of the French national football team on Tuesday, following the departure of Didier Deschamps. Zidane, 54, had been the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for this opportunity since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

He replaces Deschamps, who led France from 2012 until earlier this month, culminating in a fourth-place finish at the World Cup. Zidane signed a four-year deal that will last until the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

At his unveiling in Paris, Zidane expressed his joy and commitment to the team, stating, “The France job was the only one I wanted.” He turned down club offers over the past few years to pursue this position. Zidane, a former player who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship, previously coached Real Madrid, leading them to three consecutive Champions League titles.

FFF president Philippe Diallo noted Zidane's self-belief and desire to win as key factors in his appointment.