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

While France mourns the end of Didier Deschamps' 14‑year stewardship after a World Cup semi‑final defeat, the French federation unveiled Zinedine Zidane in Paris today as the new national team coach. The appointment marks a direct hand‑over from the outgoing boss, whose tenure concluded with a fourth‑place finish at the Qatar tournament.

Met his four‑year contract signed this morning, Zidane becomes the federation's latest head coach, returning to a managerial role for the second time after his spell at Real Madrid.

During his two‑year spell at the Madrid‑based club, Zidane guided the side to three Champions League triumphs and secured the Spanish league, cup and super cup on two occasions each.

Zidane also boasts a distinguished playing résumé for France, earning 108 caps and lifting the World Cup trophy on home soil in 1998 before adding a Euro 2000 title won in the Netherlands and Belgium.

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

His final appearance for the French side ended dramatically in the 2006 World Cup final: he opened the scoring against Italy, was later sent off for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi, and Italy ultimately prevailed on penalties.

Deschamps, who steered France to the 2018 World Cup victory in Russia, announced his departure after fourteen years at the helm, following the team's semi‑final loss to Spain and a 6‑4 defeat to England in the third‑place playoff at Qatar.

Zidane’s four‑year plan for France begins as Deschamps departs

The French manager had already signalled his exit after the World Cup, confirming that the semi‑final exit would be his final act before stepping down.

The contrast between Deschamps' era of world titles and Zidane's fresh chapter underscores a nation poised to blend past glory with new tactical direction, as France looks ahead to upcoming international challenges.