Zinedine Zidane has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the French national team, confirmed by BBC Sport on 28 July 2026. The announcement ends months of speculation surrounding the role. Zidane steps in following Didier Deschamps’ departure after France’s semi-final elimination at the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Spain.
Deschamps had served as France manager for 14 years, making him the nation’s longest-serving coach. His exit opened the door for Zidane, who has long been understood to be the French Football Federation’s preferred candidate. According to thefootballfreak.com, Zidane is set to formally begin his role on 1 September.
Five Years Out of Management
Zidane last managed a club in 2021. His second spell at Real Madrid ended without a trophy, and he has been without a role since. That five-year absence is notable, though Get Football News France points out that his track record at club level remains exceptional.
He is the only manager in history to win three successive UEFA Champions League titles, achieving the feat with Real Madrid in 2016, 2017, and 2018. As a player, he won the 1998 World Cup with France on home soil and followed it with the 2000 European Championship.
What Zidane Brings to Les Bleus
Get Football News France describes a coaching style built around fielding players in their most natural positions, allowing them to express themselves rather than constraining them within rigid systems. At Madrid, this approach unlocked some of the best football from players including Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Casemiro, and Karim Benzema.
France’s current squad offers similar material. Zidane will have access to world-class talent across all positions, with players such as Kylian Mbappé, William Saliba, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé all at his disposal. The expectation is that Zidane will seek to maximise that depth rather than overhaul it.
Get Football News France also notes that Zidane has previously spoken about understanding elite dressing rooms — having played alongside and managed many high-profile personalities throughout his career — and views that experience as central to his management philosophy.
Nations League Group Sets the Stage
Zidane’s first competitive tests are already taking shape. A post from Signal Foot on X confirmed France’s Nations League group will also include Italy, managed by Andrea Pirlo, Turkey under Vincenzo Montella, and Belgium, now led by Mark van Bommel. A group of high-profile coaches adds early context to what his France tenure will look like.
The appointment closes what Get Football News France called the worst-kept secret in French football. Zidane was unveiled at a press conference at the French FA’s Paris headquarters, officially beginning a new chapter for Les Bleus.
