Former French international football player Zinedine Zidane speaks during a press conference to present him as the new head coach of France national football team at the French Football Federation headquarters (FFF) in Paris on July 28, 2026. The former France playmaker, who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship as a player, has been appointed head coach of the French national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced. Zidane takes over from his former teammate Deschamps, who had been in charge since 2012; Deschamps’ tenure ended with a fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, following a title win in 2018 and a final appearance in 2022. (Photo by LOU BENOIST / AFP)
Zinedine Zidane was appointed France coach on Tuesday, as widely expected, following the departure of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced.
Zidane, 54, had long been viewed as the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for an opportunity to take charge of the national team for several years.
He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.
Deschamps guided France to 2018 World Cup glory and the final four years later.
