French football icon Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France men’s national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps.
The French Football Federation announced Zidane’s appointment on Tuesday, officially ushering in a new era for Les Bleus after Deschamps stepped down following the team’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Deschamps’ final game in charge ended in a dramatic 6-4 defeat to England national football team, bringing to a close a remarkable 14-year spell as France’s manager.
Zidane, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with France before becoming one of Europe’s most successful club coaches, is set to take charge of his first international fixture when France travel to face Turkey national football team in the UEFA Nations League.
His first home match will follow against Italy national football team at the Stade de France on October 2.
Deschamps leaves behind an impressive legacy, having managed France in 185 matches and recorded 120 victories.
During his tenure, he guided the nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, lifted the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League trophy, and reached the finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The transition also reunites two of France’s greatest football figures in history. Zidane and Deschamps were teammates in the French squad that won both the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
As a club manager, Zidane built an outstanding reputation with Real Madrid CF, leading the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, a feat that cemented his status as one of the game’s elite coaches.
French football supporters will now look to Zidane to build on that success and guide the national team into its next chapter on the international stage.
