Zinedine Zidane has officially taken charge of France as head coach, ending years of anticipation by replacing Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. The former Real Madrid manager was introduced in Paris following talks with the French Football Federation that started in February 2025, soon after Deschamps revealed his plan to step aside.
During his first press conference, Zidane mentioned that he had turned down multiple coaching roles over the last four or five years because leading the France national team was his sole ambition. Though he shared his enthusiasm, he offered few details about his tactical approach or how he plans to reshape the squad.
Zinedine Zidane’s hiring comes after a long wait
Zidane described taking over France as the chance he had been waiting for and acknowledged that coaching a national side would be a fresh challenge for him. Still, he stated he was not worried about the task since it was exactly what he had desired.
The new France coach said he would first meet with his players before sharing his vision. He also avoided commenting on Kylian Mbappe’s captaincy, advising that the forward should focus on his break before they talk in September.
France enters a fresh chapter
Although Zidane steered clear of tactical specifics, he confirmed that he wants to bring his own approach while keeping some continuity from Didier Deschamps’ work.
He praised his predecessor and stressed that his arrival would not mean a total break from the past. Instead, Zidane said he aims to build on the current foundation while adding his own methods to keep France successful.
Kylian Mbappe and France stars support Zidane
Zidane’s appointment has been met with strong support from fans and players. Supporters gathered outside the French Football Federation headquarters with banners and flares, while Kylian Mbappe posted “Welcome home” on Instagram.
Former France international Bixente Lizarazu called the appointment a great moment for French football, noting that Zidane had proven at Real Madrid he could handle elite players and strong personalities. His reputation and status are viewed as key assets when working with a squad that includes Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise.
Nations League matches kick off Zidane’s France era
Zidane’s four-year contract starts next month, with his coaching staff to be announced a few weeks later. The next international break will give France’s players their first chance to adjust to the new manager’s style across four Nations League games in three weeks.
His debut match as head coach will be away against Turkey, followed by two meetings with Belgium and a home game against Italy in Paris. With widespread goodwill around his arrival, Zidane will begin his tenure with the freedom to decide whether to implement tactical shifts or bring in new faces as France starts a new chapter.