Emotional Zinedine Zidane confirmed as new France manager after World Cup semi-final exit

Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as head coach of the France national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps following their World Cup semi-final exit, and admitted he was emotional at his unveiling.

Deschamps announced in January 2025 that he would step down following this summer’s World Cup, with France knocked out in the last four by European champions Spain in a 2-0 defeat.

Zidane had been out of a managerial post since leaving Real Madrid , where he won three Champions League and two La Liga titles, in 2021.

Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid (Getty)

But the former France captain had been widely touted as a potential replacement for Deschamps, who helmed the national side for 14 years, and has been installed on a long-term deal.

“I’ve often said it: there’s nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane said. “So it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team.

“I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a bit emotional. It is the happiest day of my career as coach. I’ve always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach; I won’t hide it. 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.

“It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence, and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.

“I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”

Deschamps stepped down after taking France to three major finals and World Cup glory in 2018, becoming the third man to win the World Cup as both player and manager.

He is succeeded by one of the nation’s finest ever players: Zidane earned 108 France caps and won the World Cup in 1998, scoring a brace in the final, as well as the Euros in 2002. He was sent off in the final of the 2006 World Cup, the last match of his playing career, for headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.

Zinedine Zidane starred as France won the World Cup in 1998 (Getty)

In a sweet twist of fate, Zidane’s first home game at the Stade de France, will be against Italy on 2 October – a little over 20 years since that infamous headbutt. Before that, he faces away trips to Turkey and Belgium in late September.

“I’ve noted all of the four matches to come, they’re in my head,” Zidane said, tapping his forehead. “Italy is special, because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian. All of those things.”

The 54-year-old took his first steps into management with Real Madrid Castilla in 2014, spending two seasons there before moving to the first team.

There, Zidane became the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row before resigning in 2018, though returned the following year for another spell in which he won another La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana.

And he reaffirmed that after leaving the Bernabeu again, he only had eyes for Les Bleus.

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

After huge success in Madrid, Zidane only wanted to manage France (Getty)

“I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge,” he said. “That’s what motivates me.”

Zidane praised Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup during his tenure, but promised a different style of play to his predecessor – who was, at times, criticised for his slightly uninspiring, pragmatic football.

“Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win,” Zidane added. “I would also like to congratulate Didi [Deschamps] for these remarkable years.

“What motivates me is the game, I was a No 10, I like goals. I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience.”

Having signed an extended contract, he will now be tasked with getting the best out of a gifted generation of attacking talents with France likely to again be among the favourites for Euro 2028 and the World Cup in 2030.

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