French football legend Zinedine Zidane has declared that becoming head coach of the France national team was the only managerial role he ever wanted after officially taking charge of Les Bleus.
The 54-year-old was unveiled as France’s new manager on Tuesday, replacing Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign came to an end after France finished fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Zidane’s appointment on a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Speaking during his official presentation in Paris, an emotional Zidane described the appointment as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition.
“For me, it’s an immense joy to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words,” Zidane said. “I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge—that’s what drives me today.”
The former Real Madrid manager revealed that he had turned down several club offers over the past few years while waiting for the opportunity to lead his country.
“The France job was the only one I wanted. I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club, and I turned them all down for the French national team.”
Widely regarded as one of France’s greatest-ever footballers, Zidane was instrumental in the country’s 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, before helping Les Bleus win the UEFA European Championship in 2000.
As a coach, Zidane enjoyed remarkable success with Real Madrid, guiding the Spanish giants to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
Despite his achievements at club level, Zidane acknowledged that managing a national team presents a different challenge.
“It’s a completely different job. I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me.”
He also made it clear that he intends to build on the winning culture established under Deschamps while remaining true to his own coaching philosophy.
“I’m going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning. Didier Deschamps is Deschamps, Laurent Blanc was Blanc, and ‘Zizou’ is Zizou. I will do things the way I know how to do them.”
FFF president Philippe Diallo revealed that discussions with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps announced his intention to step down following the 2026 World Cup.
According to Diallo, Zidane’s confidence left a lasting impression.
“He told me, ‘President, I know how to win.’ When he said that, I saw someone who had both the desire and the self-belief needed to lead France.”
Zidane will begin his reign with an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on September 25 before taking charge of his first home match against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.
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