France legend Zidane succeeds Deschamps as national team coach

National icon Zinédine Zidane has been appointed coach of the French men' national team in succession of Didier Deschamps.

French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo spoke of "an exceptional moment" as he named former playmaker Zidane sitting next him at a news conference "a legend of French football."

Diallo said that Zidane has signed a four-year contract until 2030 which covers Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.

Zidane, 54, won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player of a team captained by Deschamps. His only coaching experience are two terms at Real Madrid 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 during which he won three Champions Leagues and two LaLigas.

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

“I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge. That's what motivates me," he said, speaking of "big ambitions" with the team.

Three-time World Player of the Year Zidane had long been considered the top contender to take over from Deschamps who resigned after 14 years in charge after the recent World Cup.

Diallo said that talks with Zidane started last year after Deschamps announced he would step down.

Deschamps won the World Cup as a coach as well in 2018, led Les Bleus into the 2022 final and they finished fourth at the latest edition which ended on July 19. He also won the 2021 Nations League and reached the Euro 2016 final.

Zidane's first matches in charge will be four Nations League matches against Turkey, Italy and Belgium (twice) between September 25 and October 5.

It will be his first time with the national team since his playing career for Les Bleus ended with a red card for head-butting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final which France lost on penalties against Italy.

Zidane also won the Champions League as a player with Real and three national titles with Juventus in 1997 and 1998 and with Real in 2003.

He takes over a classy France led by captain and all-time World Cup top scorer Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise.

Diallo spoke of a perfect combination in an FFF statement to ensure further success in the future.

"It marks the coming together of a legend in the history of Les Bleus – who has become one of the most successful and respected coaches of his generation – and a squad with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions," Diallo said.

"Zinédine Zidane’s exceptional career is characterised by talent, hard work, humility and excellence. These are values shared by the French national team, and ones that we intend to uphold, together and with ambition, over the next four years.”