Zinedine Zidane to take charge of France as Deschamps era closes after 14 years

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national team, the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed, replacing Didier Deschamps the day after the end of the 2026 World Cup.

The 54-year-old former France captain steps into the role following Deschamps’ departure, which brings to an end a 14-year spell in charge of Les Bleus. Deschamps leaves having led the national side through one of the most successful periods in its history.

Zidane has long made it clear that coaching France was his ultimate target. As early as 2012, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner publicly identified the France job as his main ambition after retiring as a player and beginning his coaching career.

Since then he has repeatedly restated his desire to become France head coach, turning down or being linked with several high-profile club posts while waiting for the opportunity to take charge of the national team.

New chapter for Les Bleus

Zidane’s arrival marks the start of a new era for France, with the FFF entrusting one of the country’s greatest footballing figures with the responsibility of leading the team into its next cycle of major tournaments.

The former midfielder’s most significant coaching success to date came at Real Madrid, where he established himself as one of the game’s elite managers. During two spells in charge at the Bernabeu, Zidane guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, cementing his reputation at the highest level of European football.

That track record was a key factor in the FFF’s decision to hand him the national job, with Zidane tasked both with maintaining France’s recent standards and shaping a squad capable of challenging for upcoming international honours.

His remit will include preparing the team for the next major competitions following the 2026 World Cup, ensuring continuity while also refreshing the group where necessary.

Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player with France, now returns to the national setup in the top job, charged with extending Les Bleus’ status among the world’s leading sides.