France hires former soccer great Zinedine Zidane as men''s national team coach
Former soccer legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the head coach of the French men's national team. He signed a four-year contract, expressing deep emotional attachment to the role he has sought since leaving Real Madrid.
Why it matters
Zidane's appointment is a major development in international football, marking the transition of a legendary player into the leadership of his home nation's team.
Zinedine Zidane is France's new coach, replacing Didier Deschamps at the helm of the team he led to glory as arguably its greatest ever player.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane's appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday (July 28, 2026), saying he has been given a 4-year contract.
“I'm excited,” Zidane said, clenching his fists. “The France team makes you dream,” he said. “We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.
“I've waited five years for this chance, so that's why I'm a bit emotional,” said Zidane, adding that it was the happiest day of his career as coach.
His usually calm voice broke a little as he spoke more about what it meant to him.
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