Zinedine Zidane named France head coach on four-year deal after Deschamps era ends

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of France on a four-year contract, bringing an end to Didier Deschamps’ long spell in charge of Les Bleus.

The French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that the 1998 World Cup-winning playmaker will take over the national team for a tenure set to run at least until the 2030 World Cup.

Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, returns to the dugout to lead his country for the first time in his coaching career. His appointment follows months of speculation linking him with the role.

He replaces Deschamps, the 2018 World Cup-winning coach, who departs after a lengthy and trophy-laden reign with France.

First match away to Turkey

Zidane’s first game in charge of France will be an away fixture against Turkey in late September, in the group stage of the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League.

The match will mark his debut as national team manager after a club coaching career spent entirely at Real Madrid and their reserve side.

Deschamps’ final match and long tenure

Deschamps’ last match at the helm of France came only days ago, when Les Bleus lost to England in the third-place play-off at the World Cup.

The former midfielder was appointed France coach in 2012, succeeding Laurent Blanc. Over 12 years, he transformed France into one of the dominant forces in international football.

He led France to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, then guided them to World Cup glory in 2018 in Russia. Under his leadership, France also reached the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In continental competition, Deschamps took France to the final of Euro 2016 on home soil, where they were beaten by Portugal. He did, however, secure silverware in the UEFA Nations League, winning the 2021 edition of the tournament with Les Bleus.

Zidane’s club record

Before accepting the France job, Zidane built a formidable reputation at Real Madrid.

He first coached Real Madrid Castilla and also worked as an assistant at the club, before being promoted to head coach of the first team in two separate spells.

During his time in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, Zidane won three UEFA Champions League titles, establishing a period of European dominance. Domestically, he secured two La Liga championships.

His Real Madrid tenure also brought two UEFA Super Cup victories, two FIFA Club World Cup titles and two Spanish Super Cups.

Zidane’s achievements on the touchline were recognised individually as well, as he was named the world’s best coach on two occasions.

His new role with France now gives him the opportunity to extend that record on the international stage, as he steps into one of the most high-profile positions in world football.