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

Zinedine Zidane signed a four‑year contract to become head coach of the France men’s national team on Tuesday, with his tenure set to begin on August 1, replacing Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation announced the appointment, marking a new era for the side that finished fourth in the most recent World Cup.

The federation highlighted Zidane’s status as one of the best French players of all time. As a player he was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times, won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and helped France lift the 1998 World Cup.

Zidane’s coaching résumé also convinced the board. He guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, resigned in 2018, returned a year later and remained in charge until 2021.

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

France’s recent World Cup record underlines the ambition behind the hire. The team placed fourth this year, were runners‑up in 2022 and champions in 2018, while Didier Deschamps announced before the 2026 World Cup that it would be his final tournament as head coach.

At the introductory press conference Zidane said, “For me, it's a continuity, a dream. I turned down many offers to take charge of a club over the past four or five years. After Real Madrid, there was only one job I wanted: to become head coach of France.”

France turns the page: Zidane replaces Deschamps after World Cup exit

His arrival sets expectations for the next cycles, with 2026 Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé leading the squad and France positioned as a strong contender for the 2030 World Cup.

The appointment was confirmed by Yahoo Sports on July 28, 2026, confirming Zidane’s four‑year deal and his official start date of August 1.