**Zinedine Zidane Named New Head Coach of France National Football Team**
*Paris, France – July 28, 2026* – The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially announced the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national football team. The announcement was made via a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, marking a significant moment in French football history.
Zidane, a former midfielder for the French national team, takes over the coaching role following the departure of Didier Deschamps, who had a distinguished 14-year tenure. Deschamps' time as head coach concluded after France's fourth-place finish at the recent World Cup, where the team suffered a notable 6-4 defeat against England in the knockout stage. Under Deschamps, France achieved remarkable success, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, as well as reaching the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
The 54-year-old Zidane, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is celebrated not only for his playing career, where he earned 108 caps and scored 31 goals for France, but also for his successful managerial stint at Real Madrid. Zidane led the Spanish club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier coach.
Zidane's connection to the national team is profound; he was a key player in the 1998 World Cup-winning squad, which triumphed on home soil. His contributions to that victory were instrumental, and he was awarded the Ballon d'Or in the same year, further highlighting his impact on the sport.
As Zidane prepares to embark on his coaching journey with the national team, he is set to begin with an away match against Turkiye in the UEFA Nations League. Following that, France will host Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, 2026. These matches will serve as a crucial start to Zidane's tenure, as he aims to build on the legacy left by Deschamps and lead France back to the pinnacle of international football.
The FFF's decision to appoint Zidane has been met with enthusiasm from fans and analysts alike, who see this as a pivotal moment for the future of French football. Zidane's deep understanding of the game, combined with his experience both as a player and a coach, positions him well to navigate the challenges ahead.
As the new head coach, Zidane will be tasked with not only revitalizing the team following the recent World Cup performance but also fostering a new generation of talent within the French football system. His leadership will be closely watched as he implements his vision for the team, aiming to restore France's status as a dominant force in international football.
In summary, Zinedine Zidane's appointment as the head coach of the French national team marks a new chapter in the nation's football history. With a storied past as both a player and a coach, Zidane is poised to lead France into a promising future on the international stage.