Zinedine Zidane Appointed as Next France Manager
French football legend Zinedine Zidane has agreed to become the head coach of the French national team following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, succeeding Didier Deschamps. This move, which has been finalized with the French Football Federation, marks a significant transition for Les Bleus. Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since the summer of 2012, will lead the team through the 2026 tournament, which concludes on July 19.
Zidane's own illustrious playing career for France began in August 1994. As a player, he represented his country in three European Championships:
- 1996
- 2000
- 2004
and three World Cups:
- 1998
- 2002
- 2006
He was instrumental in France's 1998 World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. Zidane also captained the side to the 2006 World Cup final, a match famously marred by his red card for headbutting Marco Materazzi.
Zidane's Managerial Record
Zidane's coaching journey started with Real Madrid's reserve team, Castilla, where he managed from the 2014/15 season until January 2016. He then took his first stint as head coach of Real Madrid's first team from January 2016 until the end of the 2017/18 season. After a brief hiatus, he returned for a second spell in March 2019, remaining in charge until the conclusion of the 2020/21 campaign.
During his tenure at Real Madrid, he secured an impressive collection of trophies, including:
- Two La Liga titles
- Two Spanish Super Cups
- Three UEFA Champions League titles
- Two UEFA Super Cups
- Two FIFA Club World Cups
Zidane's vast experience as both a world-class player and a highly successful manager is expected to be a major asset for the French national team. His prior achievements, such as winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player, demonstrate a proven ability to perform and win at the highest level. Under his leadership, France is anticipated to maintain its status as a dominant force in international football.
This appointment signals the federation's ambition for sustained excellence, leveraging Zidane's deep understanding of the game and his winning mentality. His proven track record of managing elite players and implementing effective tactics is seen as crucial for France's prospects in future competitions. His arrival is widely expected to inject fresh energy and innovative ideas into the squad's approach.