Zidane Named France Coach, Calls Appointment the ‘Dream’ of His Career

French football legend Zinedine Zidane has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of the France national team, describing the appointment as the fulfilment of a lifelong dream after years of waiting for the opportunity. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the 54-year-old’s appointment on Tuesday, handing him a four-year contract as he succeeds Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year spell in charge ended after France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at his unveiling in Paris, an emotional Zidane admitted he had struggled to contain his feelings as he accepted what he called the biggest challenge of his coaching career.

“I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional,” Zidane said. “The France team makes you dream. This is the happiest day of my career as a coach.”

The former France captain revealed that he had rejected numerous offers from top clubs during the past five years because his sole ambition was to manage his country.

“I turned down every offer because coaching France was the only thing I wanted to do after my club career,” Zidane explained, adding that he had patiently waited for the opportunity to become national team coach.

Zidane returns to management for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. During two spells at the Spanish giants, he established himself as one of football’s most successful managers, winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga championships and numerous other trophies. His remarkable record at Madrid has fuelled expectations that he can guide France back to international glory.

As a player, Zidane is regarded as one of France’s greatest footballers. He inspired his country to its first FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, before helping France win UEFA Euro 2000. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and earned legendary status through his elegance, vision and leadership on the pitch.

FFF president Philippe Diallo described Zidane’s appointment as a landmark moment for French football, praising both his achievements as a player and his success as a coach. He also paid tribute to outgoing manager Didier Deschamps, whose tenure included the 2018 World Cup title, the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League crown and appearances in the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

Zidane now inherits one of the world’s most talented squads, featuring stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué. His immediate focus will be preparing France for the UEFA Nations League, with his first match in charge scheduled away to Türkiye before a home clash against Italy later this year.

The appointment has been widely celebrated across France, where many supporters had long hoped Zidane would eventually replace Deschamps. For the Marseille-born icon, the journey has come full circle; from lifting the World Cup as France’s greatest player to leading the national team from the touchline. With Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, expectations will be enormous as Zidane begins the next chapter in one of football’s most remarkable careers.