Zinedine Zidane appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team

The French Football Federation officially announced on July 28, 2026, that Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national team. The 54-year-old manager takes over the position following the conclusion of Didier Deschamps’s tenure, which ended after France finished in fourth place at the 2026 World Cup, marked by a final 6-4 defeat against England.

Zidane, a former World Cup and European champion as a player, signed a four-year contract that will see him lead the team through the 2030 World Cup. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed the appointment, paying tribute to Deschamps’s 14 years of service. Zidane expressed his pride in taking the helm of his national team, describing the role as the pinnacle of a coaching career that previously saw him achieve significant success at Real Madrid.

While some media reports initially suggested uncertainty regarding his appointment, the federation confirmed the move via social media on Tuesday. This transition marks the end of a long-standing era for French football as the team begins a new chapter under Zidane's leadership.