Zinedine Zidane appointed new France head coach after Didier Deschamps’ exit

The French Football Federation has confirmed Zinedine Zidane as the new France head coach following the departure of Didier Deschamps.

The former France captain replaces Deschamps, who stepped down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending one of the most successful coaching spells in French football history.

Zidane has signed a four-year contract and will officially take charge on August 1. He’s also expected to reveal the rest of his coaching staff in September. 

His appointment has been in the works for some time. 

Deschamps announced back in January 2025 that he would leave after the 2026 World Cup, leading many to believe Zidane was the leading candidate to succeed him. 

The former Real Madrid manager had been linked with several top club jobs in recent years but repeatedly chose to wait for the opportunity to coach his national team.

Speaking at his first press conference, Zidane described the role as the one he had always wanted. 

He explained that despite receiving several offers from clubs over the past few years, his focus remained on becoming France coach.

“For me, today represents continuity, a dream,” Zidane said (via The Athletic). 

“I’ve had offers over the last four or five years to take charge of a club, and I’ve turned them all down for the sake of the French national team.

“It’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do. I’ve been part of it since I was a lad; I started in the under-15s and worked my way up through every level to reach the senior squad.

“I’m going to give it my all to ensure this team keeps winning – that’s the only thing that drives me.”

Deschamps left France after another memorable yet underwhelming World Cup campaign. 

France won all three group matches and scored 10 goals before beating Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco in the knockout rounds. 

However, their run ended with a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, before losing a thrilling 6-4 third-place match against England in Deschamps’ final match in charge.