France appoint World Cup legend Zidane as new men's head coach

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Paris: Zinedine Zidane, France's 1998 FIFA World Cup winning hero, has been named head coach of the men's national football team, fulfilling a long-held desire to lead Les Bleus. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the 54 years old's appointment to a four years term that would last until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Zidane follows Didier Deschamps, who resigned after 14 years in charge following France's fourth-place finish in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps ends one of the most successful managerial records in French football, having led the team to the 2018 World Cup victory, the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League title, and final appearances at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

Zidane, one of football's greatest legends, led France to World Cup glory on home ground in 1998 and then helped the country win UEFA Euro 2000. As a manager, he achieved extraordinary success with Real Madrid, leading the Spanish club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League wins between 2016 and 2018, as well as two La Liga titles in two terms.

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane regarded guiding France as the summit of his career, saying there was ‘nothing greater than the French national team’ and expressing his delight in accepting the task. He also paid respect to Deschamps, vowing to continue the team's winning legacy with an attacking and ambitious style of play.

Zidane is likely to make his debut as France coach in October, with a UEFA Nations League away match against Turkey followed by a home game against Italy. He will take over a group brimming with world-class talent, including captain Kylian Mbappé, as France enters a new chapter under one of the country's most recognised football leaders.