France's greatest icon returns! Zinedine Zidane appointed head coach
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Zidane expressed that leading the national side was his ultimate career ambition, having turned down club offers to wait for this specific role.
Why it matters
Zidane is a legendary figure in global sports, and his appointment is a major development for the future of French football.
France have finally turned to one of their greatest icons, appointing Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach after Didier Deschamps stepped down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, handing the former Real Madrid manager a four-year contract. FFF president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane's arrival at the federation's headquarters in Paris, describing the appointment as a landmark moment for French football. "This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me," Diallo said. "Zidane is one of the legends of French soccer." For Zidane, the appointment marks the fulfilment of a dream he had been waiting years to realise. The 54-year-old, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, admitted he deliberately stayed away from club football in anticipation of one opportunity. "I'm excited," Zidane said, clenching his fists.
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