THE ZIDANE ERA BEGINS: France Hands the Crown to Its Greatest Icon

France has turned to one of its greatest football icons, appointing Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the national team following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ushering in a new era for Les Bleus after Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign.

The French Football Federation confirmed the long-anticipated appointment on Tuesday, ending years of speculation linking the former Real Madrid manager with the country’s top coaching job. Zidane has signed a four-year contract that will see him lead France through UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The appointment marks Zidane’s return to football management after a five-year absence since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. During his two spells at the Spanish giants, he established himself as one of the sport’s elite coaches, guiding the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and multiple domestic honours.

Zidane inherits one of international football’s most talented squads, featuring captain Kylian Mbappé alongside emerging stars including Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué. His immediate challenge will be to reshape the team after France’s semi-final exit at the 2026 World Cup and restore the nation to major tournament-winning form.

Speaking after his unveiling, Zidane described leading the French national team as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition, while paying tribute to Deschamps for maintaining France among the world’s leading football nations during a tenure that included the 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph.

The 54-year-old is expected to oversee his first matches during France’s UEFA Nations League fixtures later this year, with expectations high that one of the country’s greatest players can replicate his club-level managerial success on the international stage.