Zidane Returns to Management as France Name Him National Team Boss

Key Takeaways:

• Zinédine Zidane was officially unveiled as France’s new national team manager on Tuesday
• Didier Deschamps ended his 14-year stint following the 2026 World Cup, paving the way for Zidane’s arrival
• Zidane has committed to a four-year contract to lead Les Bleus

Zidane Named as Successor Following Deschamps’ Departure

The Fédération Française de Football (FFF) announced earlier today that Zinédine Zidane has been appointed as the new manager of the French national team. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign concluded after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps had signalled his intention to step down early last year, opening up the opportunity for Zidane to return to the world of management. Zidane is set to lead the national side on a four-year agreement.

Zidane’s Transition from Iconic Player to Managerial Great

Widely recognised as one of France’s most illustrious footballers, Zidane enjoyed a swift transition into coaching following his retirement. In 2009, just four years after hanging up his boots, he rejoined Real Madrid as a special advisor for the first team. By 2013, he had moved up to become assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti, further developing his coaching credentials. Zidane was then handed the reins of Real Madrid Castilla before taking charge of the senior squad in early 2016, replacing Rafael Benitez.

Champions League Triumphs and Real Madrid Legacy

Zidane’s spell in Madrid was marked by extraordinary success. He masterminded an unmatched sequence of three consecutive UEFA Champions League victories for Los Merengues. He stepped down unexpectedly mere days after steering Real Madrid to their 13th European Cup, explaining that a change was necessary for the club. Zidane later returned to the managerial seat in 2019 after Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari’s preceding unsuccessful periods.

He guided Real Madrid to another La Liga title during the Covid-disrupted 2019-2020 season, adding to his previous league championship from 2017. After a barren 2020-2021 campaign with no silverware, Zidane departed once more and remained a free agent subsequently.

Zidane’s Ambition Fulfilled with National Team Appointment

The 1998 Ballon d’Or winner had previously expressed his aspirations to manage Les Bleus, telling L’Equipe in 2022 of his desire to “come full circle” with the French side, and calling representing his country “the best thing that ever happened to him.” Zidane remarked: “If it’s meant to be, it will be.“ With this appointment, that ambition has now materialised.