PARIS (Realist English). French football has finally got the man it has been waiting for more than five years.
On July 28, the French Football Federation officially announced the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national team.
The 54‑year‑old 1998 World Cup winner replaces Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years at the helm following France’s failure at the 2026 World Cup — the first time since 2014 that Les Bleus have finished without a medal.
Zidane’s contract runs until the 2030 World Cup. His first match will be on September 25, away to Turkey in the Nations League. His mission: to restore the status France lost in front of the whole world.
“I Was Waiting Only for This”: How Zidane Turned Down Clubs for His Dream
Zidane has made no secret of the fact that he wanted to take charge of the national team even before Deschamps announced his departure. After leaving Real Madrid in 2021, he consistently turned down all club offers.
“I could have taken some three‑year project while Deschamps remained in his post. When he announced his decision to leave in January 2025, the very next day I knew I wanted to be the next coach,” Zidane admitted.
Talks began in February 2025, and a verbal agreement was reached in November. During that time, Zidane said he “watched a huge number of matches, even more than when I was Real Madrid coach,” preparing for the role he considered his destiny.
Deschamps Steps Aside, Zidane Arrives to Win
Didier Deschamps leaves after 14 years, 187 matches, one World Cup, and three major tournament finals. However, the 2026 World Cup campaign ended in disaster: a semi‑final defeat to Spain (0‑2) and a thrashing by England in the third‑place play‑off (4‑6). Fourth place — France’s worst result since 2014.
At the presentation, Zidane thanked his predecessor but made it clear: his time had passed. “I want to give all my strength so that the French national team continues to win,” the new coach declared. This is not just rhetoric. It is a promise to a country accustomed to victory and unwilling to accept fourth place.
France Rejoices, Rivals on Alert
Zidane’s appointment has been met with unanimous delight in France. The federation president called him a “legend” and “the embodiment of a dream.” Laurent Blanc said Zidane was up to the task, while Karim Benzema expressed joy for his former mentor.
Zidane will assemble his own staff — those he worked with at Real Madrid, with possible changes. And in September, he will make his debut — an away Nations League match against Turkey. The first test for a man who has won the Champions League three times and now intends to do the same with the national team.
Zidane has not come just to coach. He has come to restore the status. France, used to being among the best, now expects revenge after the US debacle. Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup are his targets. “I will do everything so that this team continues to win,” he promised. In Paris, they believe him.
