Commonwealth Games
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Racing
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
France legend Zinedine Zidane new national team coach
Jerome Pugmire • July 29th, 2026 7:36 am
Zinedine Zidane has been announced as the new coach of France | Photo: EPA
Zinedine Zidane is France's new coach, replacing Didier Deschamps at the helm of the team he led to glory as arguably its greatest player.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane's appointment in Paris on Tuesday, saying he had signed a 4-year contract.
"This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me," Diallo said.
"Zinedine is one of the legends of French soccer and for many years he said one of his dreams was to take charge of the France team."
The 54-year-old Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
"For me it's a continuity, a dream," Zidane said.
"I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do."
Zidane was known for his sublime skills in a playing career which included 108 games for France | Photo: EPA
Zidane called it "an immense joy" to take charge of the team for which he starred.
"I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge," he said. "That's what motivates me."
Zidane praised Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup and stepped down after the recent World Cup, where Les Bleus lost in the semi-finals to eventual champions Spain.
"Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win," Zidane said.
"I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) for these remarkable years."
Diallo said he met Zidane for talks in February, 2025, after Deschamps said he would stand down after the 2026 World Cup.
"What motivates me is the game," Zidane said. "I was a No. 10. I like goals. I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience."
