Zidane's dream realised as France legend succeeds Deschamps as national team coach

Zinedine Zidane's long-awaited dream of coaching France became a reality on Tuesday after the French Football Federation appointed the World Cup-winning captain as Didier Deschamps' successor on a four-year contract.

The appointment comes two weeks after Deschamps' 14-year tenure ended following France's fourth-place finish at the World Cup, where his final game in charge was a 6-4 defeat to England.

Also Read: France expected to announce Zinedine Zidane as its new coach early next week


For Zidane, who had repeatedly turned down club opportunities while waiting for the national team job, the appointment marks the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

"The French team was the only thing I wanted to do," Zidane told reporters.

"I've always looked at this team through the eyes of a future manager. I didn't take a club job for that reason. The only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was manage the French national team

"I could have taken on a three-year role because Deschamps was there. He made that decision in January 2025, and the very next day I knew I wanted to be the next one. We met with the president and the deal was sealed.

The 54-year-old will begin his tenure with an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey before taking charge of his first home match against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.

A seamless transition from one France legend to another

Zidane succeeds one of the most successful coaches in French football history.

During his 14 years in charge, Deschamps led France in 185 matches, winning 120 of them while guiding Les Bleus to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League crown, and runner-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup: Frustrations abound as France, England face off in third-place match

The two share a rich footballing history, having played together in France's iconic 1998 World Cup-winning side. Zidane was the star of that triumph on home soil, scoring twice in the final against Brazil before winning the Ballon d'Or later that year.

Over an illustrious international career, Zidane made 108 appearances for France, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists.

Now, one of the country's greatest-ever players begins the next chapter as its head coach.

"You'll see my style soon," Zidane said.

"I'm driven by the game. I was a number 10, and what drives me is scoring goals.

"I lived in Spain for 25 years, you know what that means. On the pitch, I was a leader. Now I'm becoming a leader through my experience.

"Winning in '98 is the best thing that's ever happened to me, winning with my teammates. I spent those four or five years waiting for that day. I'm emotional; you can't see it, but I'm so excited. I'm happy."

From midfield maestro to serial winner on the touchline

Zidane's coaching credentials are as decorated as his playing career.

After retiring, he returned to Real Madrid in 2013 as assistant coach before taking over as manager in 2016.

His first spell in charge redefined European success as he led the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018—an achievement unmatched in the competition's modern era.

He returned for a second stint in 2019, adding another La Liga title before leaving the club in 2021.

As a player, Zidane enjoyed trophy-laden spells with Juventus and Real Madrid, making 212 appearances for the Italian club before moving to Madrid in 2001. He played 227 matches for Real, scoring 49 goals and registering 67 assists, while winning the UEFA Champions League in his debut season with the club.

He now becomes the third member of France's celebrated 1998 World Cup-winning squad to coach the national side, following Laurent Blanc and Deschamps, with the mission of guiding Les Bleus into the 2030 World Cup.

Despite succeeding one of France's most successful managers, Zidane made it clear he intends to forge his own identity while maintaining the team's winning culture.

"Les Bleus' campaign was magnificent, the football was magnificent. I had a great time, and so did everyone else," Zidane said.

"The fans have no cause for complaint. We're going to do things differently. Deschamps is Deschamps, Blanc was Blanc, Zizou is Zizou. I'm going to do what I know how to do. I'm going to ensure continuity so that the French team keeps winning."