Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; July 29: French football legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France national football team, with the French Football Federation (FFF) entrusting him with the responsibility of leading Les Bleus through to the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the national side under one of the greatest players in football history.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo during a special press conference following a meeting of the federation's Executive Committee. With the appointment, Zidane becomes the 18th head coach in the history of the France national football team.

Zidane succeeds long-serving coach Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after France's defeat to Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and several other major finals during his 14-year tenure, leaves behind a remarkable legacy. The responsibility of carrying that legacy forward will now rest with the 1998 FIFA World Cup-winning captain.

The 54-year-old Zidane will officially assume his duties on August 1. His first major assignment as France head coach will be the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League campaign. He will subsequently lead the national team through the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying competition, the 2028–29 UEFA Nations League, and the qualification campaign for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking after his appointment, Zidane described the opportunity as one of the greatest honours of his football career.

"There is nothing greater than the France national team. Becoming its head coach is both an immense honour and a tremendous responsibility. I sincerely thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for placing their trust in me. I also want to pay tribute to Didier Deschamps and his coaching staff for everything they have achieved over the past 14 years. I have great ambitions and big dreams for France," Zidane said.

Zidane also confirmed that he will announce his coaching staff at the beginning of September. Having enjoyed extraordinary success at club level, particularly during his managerial spell with Real Madrid where he won multiple UEFA Champions League titles, the former midfield maestro will now make his long-awaited debut as the head coach of a national team.

His appointment has already generated tremendous excitement across the football world, with supporters and experts eager to see how one of the sport's most celebrated figures will shape the future of the French national team.

French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo welcomed Zidane's appointment, describing it as a proud moment for French football.

"The appointment of Zinedine Zidane is a matter of great pride for all of us. He is not only a legend of French football but also one of the greatest icons the game has ever produced. The values he represents—hard work, talent, humility, and excellence—perfectly reflect the identity of the French national team. We firmly believe that under his leadership, France will reach even greater heights," Diallo said.

With one of the most decorated careers in football as both a player and club manager, Zidane now begins a new chapter on the international stage. His arrival signals France's ambition to build another successful era as the team prepares for major European and global competitions leading up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.