Zidane returns to lead a new French cycle
Zinedine Zidane has been unveiled as France head coach, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the end of his 14-year tenure. The appointment, confirmed by the French Football Federation’s executive committee on Tuesday, marks a long-anticipated return for one of the country’s most celebrated football figures. Roads near the FFF headquarters in Paris were closed as supporters gathered with flags, flares and drums ahead of the announcement. More than 100 journalists and television crews were also present for Zidane’s first press conference as Les Bleus boss.
L’Équipe captured the national mood with the headline “Il revient” – “He’s back” – recalling the newspaper’s famous 2005 front page when Zidane ended his international retirement. Two decades ago, his return gave France renewed hope during a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign. This time, the expectation surrounds his ability to guide an already elite squad into its next era. For many supporters, Zidane’s appointment feels like the culmination of years of speculation and preparation.
A long-awaited appointment
FFF president Philippe Diallo described the change as the beginning of a fresh chapter for the national team. “It’s a new cycle,” Diallo said after paying tribute to Deschamps’ long service and achievements with France. According to the FFF president, talks with Zidane began in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced that he would leave the role following the summer tournament. Zidane had long made clear that managing France was one of his biggest ambitions.
“Zinedine Zidane is one of the legends of French football and he had made it known that it was one of his dreams to manage the French national team,” Diallo said. “We wanted someone with the aura, the ability, and the hearts of our fans and the French people to manage what is one of the best national teams in the world.” Zidane’s profile as a World Cup winner, former France captain and multiple Champions League-winning coach made him the standout candidate. His appointment also gives France a manager whose connection with the country’s supporters remains uniquely powerful.
France was always the priority
The former Real Madrid manager revealed that he had rejected several club opportunities while waiting for the France job to become available. “I had several offers from clubs in the last four to five years, but I turned them all down for France,” Zidane said. “The national team is the only thing I wanted. I’ve been with the French teams since I was a kid, all the way up to the senior team. I’m a bit emotional. You might not be able to tell, but I am incredibly excited.”
Zidane called the announcement the greatest day of his managerial career and insisted that he is ready for the responsibility. “It’s an immense joy. I am ready for the challenge.” Since leaving Real Madrid for a second time, he has remained out of club management while closely following the national team. “I’ve been watching France as a supporter, but also as a future manager. I don’t think there are any traps. It’s new to me, but I’m not scared. This is what I wanted.”
Questions over style and leadership
The 54-year-old offered few immediate details about his tactical plans or leadership group. He declined to confirm whether Kylian Mbappé would remain captain, saying he first needed to meet the squad and its “extraordinary players”. “We need to keep this team winning,” Zidane said, while praising France’s recent World Cup performances. Asked about his preferred style, he added: “I was a No 10 in my playing days.”
Zidane suggested that his approach would carry its own identity rather than simply continue the work of his predecessors. “Laurent [Blanc] was Laurent, Didier was Didier, and Zizou is Zizou,” he said playfully. One major long-term challenge will be competing with Spain, who have defeated France in three successive tournament semi-finals. “I know Spanish football very well, but they won’t be the only opponents. You have to beat all of the teams.”