Zinedine Zidane has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, ending years of speculation after succeeding Didier Deschamps.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, with the 54-year-old signing a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
Deschamps stepped down earlier this month after a remarkable 14-year reign that began in 2012. During his tenure, he guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, reached the 2022 World Cup final and concluded his time in charge following Les Bleus' fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking at his unveiling in Paris, Zidane admitted the France job was the only position he had been waiting for since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
"For me, it's an immense joy... being able to become the coach of this French team," Zidane said. "The France job was the only one I wanted."
The former Real Madrid manager revealed he had rejected multiple club offers over the past several years while waiting for the opportunity to lead his country.
"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."
Clearly emotional during his presentation, Zidane added that he is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.
"I'm ready for the challenge. That's what drives me today."
One of France's greatest-ever footballers, Zidane famously scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final as Les Bleus defeated Brazil to claim their first world title. He also helped France win UEFA Euro 2000 before enjoying an equally glittering managerial career.
His only coaching role to date came at Real Madrid, where he achieved unprecedented success by leading the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
Despite his achievements at club level, Zidane acknowledged that international management presents a very different challenge.
"It's a completely different job. I've experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn't scare me."
Zidane now joins former teammates Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps in taking charge of the French national side.
He insisted he will bring his own approach while maintaining France's winning tradition.
"I'm going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning. I will do things the way I know how to do them."
FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed he had been in discussions with Zidane since February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down following the 2026 World Cup.
Diallo said one statement from Zidane convinced him he was the ideal successor.
"President, I know how to win."
According to Diallo, Zidane's confidence and ambition made him the standout choice to lead France into a new era.
Zidane will begin his tenure with an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on 25 September, before taking charge of his first home game against Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October.
With one of football's most decorated figures now at the helm, France will be hoping Zidane can translate his remarkable success as both player and club manager into another golden era for Les Bleus.
