Zinedine Zidane has been officially named the new head coach of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The appointment follows Deschamps‘ departure after the team’s World Cup semi-final exit. Zidane expressed deep emotion and pride at his unveiling, describing the occasion as the “happiest day of my career as a coach.”
The former midfielder stated that he had waited five years for this specific opportunity, turning down various club offers to manage the national side. His appointment was widely anticipated, with reports indicating it had been an “open secret” for several years that he would be next in line to lead France after Deschamps.
A Long-Awaited Homecoming
The announcement of Zidane’s new role generated significant excitement. Crowds of France fans gathered outside the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris, equipped with flags, flares, and drums, to celebrate the confirmation of one of their most iconic players as head coach. More than a hundred journalists and television crews were also present for the unveiling.
Philippe Diallo, the FFF president, acknowledged Zidane’s legendary status in French football. Diallo stated that discussions with the 1998 World Cup hero began in February 2025, the month after Deschamps announced his intention to step down. Zidane had previously made it known that managing the French national team was a long-held dream.
Diallo emphasised the desire for a leader with significant aura, ability, and the support of both fans and the French populace to manage what he described as one of the world’s best national teams. Zidane’s return to the national setup, after his second spell in Madrid concluded, has been a period of preparation for this role.
Coaching Philosophy and Upcoming Fixtures
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and a highly successful manager at Real Madrid where he secured three Champions League titles, has promised a more attacking style of play compared to his predecessor. When questioned about his tactical approach, he referenced his playing days, stating, “I was a No 10 in my playing days.” He hinted at a change in direction, noting, “Laurent [Blanc] was Laurent, Didier was Didier, and Zizou is Zizou.”
Despite the excitement, Zidane’s first public appearance as head coach offered few specific details about his plans for the national team. He chose to defer questions about player roles, such as whether Kylian Mbappé would retain the captaincy, stating that he needed to meet the team and its “extraordinary players” first. He affirmed his commitment to maintaining the team’s winning trajectory, expressing admiration for their performance during the recent World Cup.
The new coach’s four-year contract is set to commence next month. His extended staff will be introduced a few weeks before the first international break of the new season, which begins on 21 September and includes four Nations League group matches. Zidane highlighted the benefit of having three weeks with the players before these initial fixtures.
Zidane’s first match in charge will be an away game against Turkey. His first home game will be against Italy on 2 October. This fixture carries historical significance, occurring just over 20 years after his notable incident against an Italian player in the 2006 World Cup final.
One of Zidane’s long-term objectives involves competing with the reigning world champions, who have defeated France in three consecutive tournament semi-finals, including the 2025 Nations League. He acknowledged his extensive experience in Spanish football, stating, “I spent 25 years in Spain, and you know what that means,” but emphasised that the challenge extends beyond a single opponent, requiring victories against all teams.
Source: independent.co.uk