Emotional Zinedine Zidane embraces France role at French Federation

Zinedine Zidane, newly appointed coach of the France national soccer team, smiled during a media conference at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, his emotions evident as he realised a lifelong dream.

(Aurelien Morissard/AP) PARIS — Moments after being announced as France's new coach on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane clenched his fists and his usually measured voice trembled a little. He stood at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris, the venue of the announcement.

“I’m excited,” Zidane said. “The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.”

Zidane, who coached Real Madrid until leaving in 2021, replaces Didier Deschamps, the former captain who led France to World Cup glory and is regarded as one of the nation’s greatest ever players. The change marks a new era for the French side.

“I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional,” he added, calling the day the happiest of his coaching career. The sentiment highlighted the personal significance of the appointment.

Four-year pact sees French legend Zinedine Zidane take France helm

“I’ve always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won’t hide it,” Zidane continued. “That’s why I didn’t take a club side. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was taking the France team.”

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment at the federation’s Paris headquarters, confirming a four‑year contract and describing the hiring as “an exceptional moment” because of the legend sitting beside him. Diallo’s remarks underscored the historic nature of the decision.

“I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club,” Zidane said. “I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.”

France locks in Zidane for a decade‑long World Cup project

His first match will be an away Nations League fixture against Turkey on September 25, followed by a game in Belgium three days later, while his home debut comes on October 2 at Stade de France against Italy – a venue that holds personal significance after his 2006 World Cup final incident with Les Bleus.

After the announcement, Zidane stepped outside the federation building where a large crowd of fans cheered loudly as he greeted them. The enthusiastic reception reflected the public’s excitement over his arrival.