Zinedine Zidane has been named the manager of the French national football team under a four-year agreement. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who left the post following a 14-year stint.
A four-year mandate stretching to the 2030 World Cup
The French Football Federation (FFF) has secured Zinedine Zidane on a contract that ensures stability through the next several major cycles. according to the report, this deal allows Zidane to oversee two Nations League campaigns (2026-27 and 2028-29) and Euro 2028 before the 2030 World Cup.. FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed that the federation began negotiations with Zidane in February 2025, following the decision by Didier Deschamps to step down.
This appointment represents the culmination of a deliberate career choice by Zidane. After departing Real Madrid in 2021, the 54-year-old manager reportedly declined various club offers to remain available for the French national team. Zidane told reporters that managing Les Bleus was the only role he truly desired after his time in Spain, viewing the national squad through the lens of a future manager for several years.
Replacing Deschamps' 120-victory legacy
Zinedine Zidane inherits a program defined by the long-term stability of Didier Deschamps. As reported by the source, Deschamps managed 185 matches and secured 120 victories during his 14-year tenure, which included a 2018 World Cup title and a 2020-21 Nations League trophy. However, the transition comes at a time of perceived stagnation, following France's fourth-place finish at the most recent World Cup.
The transition is also deeply personal,as Zidane and Deschamps were teammates in the 1998 World Cup-winning squad. while Deschamps provided the structural discipline for over a decade, Zidane brings a different pedigree, having earned 108 caps and scored 31 goals as a player. this shift marks a transition from the pragmatic era of Deschamps to a leader who emphasizes the creative instincts of a playmaker.
The 'No 10' philosophy and the Spanish influence
Zinedine Zidane intends to bring a more offensive, goal-oriented approach to the French national team. Zidane explicitly referenced his history as a "No 10" and his 25 years living in Spain as the primary influences on his managerial style. He indicated that his drive is centered on scoring goals,suggesting a potential departure from the more conservative tactical setups often employed by the French side in recent tournaments.
By leveraging his experience at Real Madrid, Zidane aims to blend leadership with a sophisticated understanding of the modern game. He described himself as a leader on the pitch who is now evolving into a leader through managerial experience. This shift toward a more expressive style of play is likely to be the centerpiece of his tenure as he seeks to revitalize a squad that has remained competitive but lacked a certain creative spark.
The September 25 clash with Türkiye and tactical unknowns
The immediate test for Zinedine Zidane begins on September 25 with an away match against Türkiye in the Nations League. This will be followed by a high-stakes encounter against Belgium on September 28 and a home debut against Italy on October 2. These three fixtures will serve as the first real evidence of how Zidane's "No 10" philosophy translates to the international stage.
Despite the excitement surrounding the appointment, several critical details remain unverified. The report does not specify which current squad members might be phased out to accommodate Zidane's preferred style, nor does it detail if the FFF has granted him full autonomy over player recruitment. Furthermore, while Zidane mentions his drive for scoring, the specific tactical formation he intends to implement remains an open question that only the September fixtures will answer.
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