PARIS — Zinedine Zidane has been appointed France’s new head coach on a four-year contract, replacing Didier Deschamps and beginning his long-awaited return to international management.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s appointment Tuesday at the federation’s headquarters in Paris, calling the move “an exceptional moment” and describing Zidane as “one of the legends of French soccer.”
Zidane, 54, said he had waited five years for the opportunity to coach France after leaving Real Madrid in 2021. He said he rejected offers from clubs because leading the national team remained his priority.
“I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional,” Zidane said. “It was the happiest day of my career as a coach.”
Zidane takes charge of the team he helped lead to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles as a player. He succeeds Deschamps, who stepped down after leading France to the 2026 World Cup, where the team lost to Spain in the semifinals.
Zidane praised Deschamps for his tenure and said he would give everything to help France win more titles.
The former France midfielder also said the team would play differently under his leadership, emphasizing attacking football.
“What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals,” Zidane said. “I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience.”
Zidane’s first match will come against Turkey in the Nations League on Sept. 25, followed three days later by an away match against Belgium.
France will then host Italy on Oct. 2 at Stade de France, marking Zidane’s return to the stadium where he played in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy. Zidane scored from a Panenka-style penalty in that match before receiving a red card for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi.
As a player, Zidane won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France. He also won league titles with Juventus and Real Madrid and helped Madrid win the 2002 Champions League.
He began his international career in 1994 and finished with 108 appearances and 31 goals for France.
Zidane later moved into coaching and led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. He left the Spanish club for a second time in 2021 and remained without a coaching position until his appointment as France coach.
After the announcement, Zidane greeted fans gathered outside the French Football Federation headquarters, where supporters loudly welcomed his return to the national team.