Zinedine Zidane has been named the new manager of the French national football team on a four-year agreement. He takes over from Didier Deschamps after France finished fourth in the 2026 World Cup.
Replacing Deschamps' 185-match legacy
The appointment marks the end of an era for Didier Deschamps, who led the French national team for 14 years.. According to the report, Deschamps oversaw 185 matches and secured 120 victories, a tenure highlighted by the 2018 World Cup title and the 2020-21 Nations League trophy. The transition comes at a critical juncture, as the French squad is looking to rebound from a disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.
Zinedine Zidane and Didier Deschamps share a deep history, having played together at Juventus and as part of the squad that won the 1998 World Cup.. this continuity in leadership suggests a transition based on mutual respect, though Zidane enters the role with a distinct pedigree, having earned 108 caps and scored 31 goals during his own playing career for France.
The 'dream job' that kept Zidane out of club football
For Zinedine Zidane, this role was a non-negotiable priority. The 54-year-old revealed that he intentionally avoided other management opportunities to ensure he was available for the French national team. As the report says, Zidane stated, "The French team was the only thing I wanted to do," confirming that he rejected various club roles to wait for this specific opening.
The timeline of the appointment suggests a carefully orchestrated succession. FFF president Philippe Diallo noted that negotiations with Zinedine Zidane began in February 2025,shortly after Didier Deschamps decided in January 2025 that he would step down following the 2026 World Cup. This strategic patience marks Zinedine Zidane's first return to the touchline since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021.
A September 25 debut against Türkiye
Zinedine Zidane faces an immediate test with a condensed schedule of high-stakes matches. His first game in charge will be an away fixture against Türkiye in the Nations League on September 25. This will be followed by a trip to face Belgium on September 28 and a home clash against Italy on October 2.
The four-year contract ensures that Zinedine Zidane will lead the team through Euro 2028 and the 2026-27 and 2028-29 Nations Leagues, with the deal extending through the 2030 World Cup. This long-term horizon gives the French Football Federation the stability needed to implement a new tactical philosophy ahead of the next global tournament.
The mystery of Zidane's 'No 10' tactical shift
While Zinedine Zidane has promised that fans will "see my style soon," the exact nature of his tactical approach remains an open question. He has signaled a shift toward an offensive mindset, citing his history as a "No 10" and his 25 years of experience living in Spain as primary influences on his desire to prioritize scoring goals.
However, several details remain unverified. while the report mentions that Zinedine Zidane turned down other club management roles, it does not specify which clubs made those offers or the terms they proposed. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how Zidane will integrate his Spanish-influenced style with the existing squad structure left behind by Didier Deschamps.
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