Zinedine Zidane is set to return to the touchline as the new head coach of the France national football team, with the appointment confirmed on Tuesday morning. According to the BBC, the 54-year-old will succeed Didier Deschamps, who announced he would step down following the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane’s four-year deal is due to begin next month, marking his first managerial role in five years. His only previous senior coaching experience came at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive Champions League titles. The BBC reports that talks between Zidane and the French Football Federation began as early as February 2025 before finally leading to his long-awaited appointment.

Speaking at his unveiling in Paris, Zidane made it clear that managing France had always been his priority.

“I had several offers in the last four or five years, but I turned them all down,” he said. “The national team is the only thing I wanted.”

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A new era begins in September

According to the BBC, Zidane’s first competitive fixtures will come during the September international break, with France playing four Nations League matches across three weeks. His first game in charge will be an away trip to Turkey. The schedule also includes:

• Two matches against Belgium

• One match against Italy in Paris

The full composition of his coaching staff is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Zidane inherits one of the strongest squads in international football, a far cry from the rebuilding job Deschamps faced after the 2010 World Cup. France scored 20 goals during their run at the recent World Cup in North America, with players such as Michael Olise impressing in the number 10 role.

While Zidane declined to reveal tactical details, he stressed the importance of working directly with his players.

“I can’t explain to you in just a couple of words how we’re going win,” he said. “I have to arrive, meet with the players, and explain my plans to them. After that, it’ll be up to me to keep this team winning.”

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Widespread acclaim for the appointment

The announcement has been welcomed across French football. The BBC notes that Kylian Mbappe greeted Zidane’s appointment with a simple Instagram message reading, “Welcome home.” Former France and Bordeaux teammate Bixente Lizarazu also praised the decision, telling France Info: “It’s a great day for French football.”

Zidane’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for Les Bleus, with the French legend now aiming to build on the foundations laid by Deschamps and lead one of international football’s most talented squads into its next chapter.

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