PARIS — Zinedine Zidane was appointed as France head coach on Tuesday, fulfilling a five-year dream to take charge of the national team he helped lead to World Cup and European Championship glory as a player.
An emotional Zidane said becoming France coach was “the happiest day” of his managerial career after French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed the appointment at the federation’s headquarters in Paris.
“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. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.”
The 54-year-old has signed a four-year contract and replaces Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge following France’s semifinal exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, revealing he rejected multiple club offers while waiting for the opportunity to manage Les Bleus.
“I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club,” Zidane said. “I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.”
Diallo described the appointment as “an exceptional moment,” calling Zidane “one of the legends of French soccer.”
One of France’s greatest players, Zidane inspired the country to its first FIFA World Cup title in 1998 before helping Les Bleus win UEFA Euro 2000. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and later enjoyed a trophy-filled coaching career at Real Madrid, guiding the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Zidane praised Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final, while promising an attacking style of play.
“What motivates me is the game. I was a No. 10, I like goals,” Zidane said. “I will give everything so that this team can win.”
His first match in charge will be away to Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on Sept. 25, followed by a trip to Belgium three days later.
Zidane’s first home game will come on Oct. 2 against Italy at the Stade de France — 20 years after his infamous red card in the 2006 World Cup final against the Azzurri.
“Italy is special because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian,” Zidane said.
The appointment marks a new chapter for one of football’s most iconic figures, who now has the opportunity to add coaching success with France to a career already defined by greatness on the pitch.
Source: Saudi Gazette