Zidane to lead France national team - Details of historic agreement
Zinedine Zidane returns (photo: instagram.com/zidane)
Zinedine Zidane, who has been out of work for over four years, is finally returning to the coaching bench. The former Real Madrid manager will replace Didier Deschamps as head coach of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup, according to ESPN.
When the official appointment will happen
Current France coach Didier Deschamps previously announced he would step down after the 2026 World Cup. He led the team for 14 years, achieving incredible success — World Cup gold in 2018 and silver in 2022.
Meanwhile, 53-year-old Zidane has been waiting for his chance since 2021, turning down high-profile offers from PSG, Manchester United, and other national teams.
According to sources, Zidane and the French Football Federation (FFF) have already reached a verbal agreement. The official announcement and contract signing will take place immediately after Les Bleus finish their run at the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
A direct hint from the FFF leadership
FFF President Philippe Diallo practically confirmed the coaching change in an interview with Le Figaro. When asked about Deschamps’ successor, he answered succinctly: “I already know who it will be.”
Although the name was not officially announced, insiders unanimously point to Zidane. The parties are currently finalizing contract details, including the number of assistants and the coaching staff Zidane plans to bring with him.
What fans can expect
Zidane’s appointment will bring not only tactical changes but also a new atmosphere in the team, which includes his former protégés and fan favorites, including Kylian Mbappé.
For France, it is the return of an icon who led the national team to World Cup victory in 1998 as a player and will now attempt to repeat that success as a coach.
Zidane won the Champions League three times as Real Madrid coach (photo: instagram.com/zidane)
Who is Zinedine Zidane
Born in Marseille, Zidane’s parents emigrated from Algeria. He belongs to the Kabyle people, a Berber ethnic group from North Africa.
A youth product of Cannes, Zidane also played for Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. He won two Italian league titles, the Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, La Liga, two Spanish Super Cups, and triumphed in the 2001/02 UEFA Champions League. With the French national team, he became World Champion (1998) and European Champion (2000).
He won the 1998 Ballon d’Or. Zidane retired after being sent off in the 2006 World Cup final following a provocation by Marco Materazzi.
He later became Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Real Madrid, coached the club’s B team, and led the first team in 2016–2018 and 2019–2021. Under his leadership, the club won two La Liga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, three Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.
In May 2021, Zidane announced his departure from Real Madrid and has remained out of work since, turning down numerous offers.
