Zinedine Zidane’s New Chapter: Steering Les Bleus to Future Glory

Sun Sep 06 2026 10:29:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane takes over as France national team coach, charting a fresh course ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

Succeeding Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national football team. The 54‑year‑old icon, who guided Real Madrid to three Champions League titles, will lead Les Bleus through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers and the Euro 2028 campaign. Zidane expressed pride at the role and hinted at ambitions to elevate French football. President Philippe Diallo praised his legacy, while Deschamps’s 14‑year tenure comes to a close after a semi‑final exit. The first match under Zidane will face Turkey in the Nations League on 25 September.

Zinedine Zidane confirms France’s next era as head coach

The former Real Madrid manager has officially taken the reins of the French national team, bringing a wealth of experience from a decorated club career and a World Cup winner’s perspective.

After 14 years under Didier Deschamps, who guided France to a World Cup triumph in 2018, the national side announced Zidane as its new coach on Monday. The move comes after France’s semi‑final loss to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane’s credentials

Zidane’s trophy cabinet boasts three successive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid, La Liga titles in 2017 and 2020, and a World Cup triumph as a player in 1998. Since leaving Real in 2021, he has welcomed the challenge of rebuilding Les Bleus ahead of the 2030 qualifiers.

"I have often said there’s nothing greater than the French national team. It is a joy and a source of immense pride to become the coach of Les Bleus," Zidane said at the announcement. The 54‑year‑old pledged high ambitions for the squad.

President Philippe Diallo praised Zidane as a “legend” of French football, noting his transfer into a new era of ambition.

First match under Zidane

Zidane’s debut will be a UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on 25 September, setting the tone for his tenure.

Zinedine Zidane at a press conference — Zidane looking on at a press conference – Getty Images

The appointment marks a significant moment for French football, as Zidane’s coaching philosophy and elite pedigree may steer the national side toward renewed success on both World Cup and European stages.