Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the country's semi-final defeat by Spain at the 2026 World Cup, BBC News reports.
The former Real Madrid manager, 54, has not coached since leaving the Spanish club for a second time in 2021. His contract will take him through France's qualifying campaign for the 2030 World Cup.
Zidane, who helped France win the 1998 World Cup as a player, said taking charge of the national side was "a great source of pride". He said there was "nothing greater than the French national team" and thanked French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee and the federation for their confidence.
He also acknowledged Deschamps and his staff for their 14 years of service, adding that he had "high ambitions" for France.
Diallo described Zidane as a French football "legend" and said the appointment was a moment of major pride for the federation. He said Zidane was joining a team with "rare potential" and the highest ambitions.
Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, led the country to three major finals during his tenure and oversaw their 2018 World Cup triumph.
Zidane's first competitive match in charge is scheduled to be a Nations League away fixture against Turkey on 25 September. He is also set to lead France into qualifying for Euro 2028.
As a club manager, Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid after taking charge of the first team in January 2016. He also won La Liga in 2016-17 before leaving, then returned in 2019 and claimed another Spanish league title in 2019-20.
As a player, Zidane represented Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid. He scored twice in France's 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final and later won the Ballon d'Or. He was also part of the France team that won Euro 2000.
