Zidane confirmed as new France manager
Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge following France's semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, a 1998 World Cup winner and widely regarded as France's greatest ever player, had been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021. His appointment ends years of speculation linking him to the role, dating back to France's group-stage exit at the 2010 World Cup.
The 54-year-old will sign a contract taking him through to the 2030 World Cup qualifiers, with his first match in charge a Nations League trip to Turkey on 25 September. As a manager, Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2021. Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, led the team to three major finals, including World Cup glory in 2018.
- Zidane appointed France head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps
- Deal runs through 2030 World Cup qualifiers
- First match in charge is versus Turkey, 25 September
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Zinedine Zidane is a legendary French footballer who won the World Cup in 1998 and is widely considered one of France's greatest ever players. He stepped away from management in 2021 when he left Real Madrid after a highly successful spell as head coach. Years of speculation have linked him to the France job, and his appointment marks a significant moment for French football.
Didier Deschamps, France's previous manager, stepped down after 14 years in charge following the team's semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. During his tenure, Deschamps led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and three major tournament finals overall, making him the country's longest-serving manager. His departure left the position open for a new appointment.
Zidane has considerable experience as a top-level coach. During his time with Real Madrid, he won three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga championships between 2016 and 2021. He will manage France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Zidane represents an ideal appointment as France's greatest ever player, bringing unparalleled credibility and understanding of the national team's demands. His proven track record—three consecutive Champions League titles and elite-level management at football's pinnacle—demonstrates success at the highest level. The appointment signals ambition and offers an opportunity to restore winning mentality after the World Cup disappointment, with a squad containing world-class talent ready to flourish under his leadership.
The case against
Zidane faces substantial concerns that cannot be dismissed lightly. His five-year absence from management and complete lack of international experience present material risks, as international football operates on fundamentally different principles to club management. The constraints of the international game—limited preparation time, competing club priorities, and far less day-to-day control—differ sharply from his club experience, leaving legitimate questions about whether his proven club success translates to the unique demands of leading a national team.