‘The France job was the only one I wanted’: Zinedine Zidane returns as Les Bleus head coach after Deschamps’ exit

A new era has officially begun for France as football legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed the country’s new head coach. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment after long-serving manager Didier Deschamps stepped down following France’s fourth-place finish at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Zidane has signed a four-year contract, keeping him in charge until the FIFA World Cup 2030, marking his return to football management after nearly five years away from the dugout.

Deschamps ends a remarkable 14-year chapter

Didier Deschamps leaves behind one of the most successful managerial spells in French football history.

During his 14 years in charge, France lifted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, finished runners-up in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and reached the semifinals before ending fourth in the 2026 edition. His tenure also saw Les Bleus remain among the world’s elite teams across multiple international tournaments.

With Deschamps stepping aside, Zidane—his teammate from France’s historic 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph—was widely regarded as the natural successor.

‘The France job was the only one I wanted’

Speaking during his unveiling at the FFF headquarters in Paris, Zidane revealed that managing the French national team had always been his ultimate goal.

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“I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team,” Zidane said.

“The France job was the only one I wanted.”

The 54-year-old admitted the appointment carried deep personal significance.

“For me, it’s an immense joy to become the coach of this French team,” he said.

“I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, and that’s what motivates me today.”

A legendary coaching résumé

Although this will be Zidane’s first experience managing an international side, his record at club level is among the finest in modern football.

Across two spells with Real Madrid, he won 11 major trophies, including an extraordinary three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles—a feat unmatched in the modern Champions League era.

His calm leadership, tactical flexibility, and ability to manage elite dressing rooms have made him one of football’s most respected managers despite a relatively short coaching career.

First matches already lined up

Zidane’s reign will officially begin in the UEFA Nations League.

His first assignment will be an away fixture against Turkey on September 25, followed by another challenging encounter against Belgium three days later.

French supporters will then get their first chance to welcome their new manager at home when France hosts Italy at the Stade de France.

With one of football’s greatest players now leading one of the world’s strongest national teams, expectations will be high as Zidane begins his quest to guide France back to international glory.