France finally turned to one of their greatest idols, appointing Zidane Deschamps will serve as the new head coach after resigning in 2026 fifa world cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, signing the former Real Madrid boss to a four-year contract. FFF President Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s arrival at the federation’s headquarters in Paris, calling the appointment a landmark moment for French football. “This is a special moment, a special moment because of the person sitting next to me,” Diallo said. “Zinedine Zidane is one of the legends of French football.” For Zidane, the appointment marks the realization of a dream he has been waiting to realize for many years. The 54-year-old has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, admitting that he deliberately stayed away from club football just to wait for an opportunity. “I’m excited,” Zidane said, clenching his fists. “France makes your dreams come true. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.” “I’ve been waiting five years for this opportunity, so I’m kind of excited,” he added, calling it the happiest day of his coaching career. The former France captain admits that leading the national team has been his ultimate ambition since leaving Madrid. “I’ve always followed this team as a fan and as a future coach and I won’t hide that,” Zidane said. “That’s why I didn’t side with the club. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was to choose France.” He revealed that he received several job offers during his time away from management, but none of them made him give up on his goals. “For me it’s a continuity, a dream,” Zidane said. “In the five years I was away from coaching clubs, I had some offers but I turned them down for France. It was the only thing I wanted to do.” Zidane described the role as a “huge joy” and said he was keen to take on the challenge. “I have a lot of emotions and I’m ready for the challenge,” he said. “That’s what motivates me.” The France great also paid tribute to his predecessor Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup title but resigned after losing to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. “Today I have the opportunity to take charge of this team and I will give everything to make this team win,” Zidane said. “I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) on these extraordinary years.” Diallo revealed that discussions with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps informed the Football Association of his intention to leave after the 2026 World Cup. While respecting Deschamps’ achievements, Zidane hinted that his France team will have a different identity. “What motivates me is the game, I am the No. 10 and I like to score goals,” Zidane said. “I was once a leader in this field and now I want to become a leader through experience.” Zidane’s first game in charge will be away to Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, followed by Belgium three days later. French fans will have the first chance to see him on the touchline at the Stade de France when France host Italy on October 2, exactly 20 years after Zidane was sent off for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. “I’ve got the next four games down, they’re all in my head,” Zidane said. “Italy is special because I play there, because I know the people, because I speak Italian. All of that.”
