Zidane Takes Over France: 'A Dream Come True' After 14-Year Wait
Deschamps' former teammate signs four-year deal, first test already in September against Turkey
Deschamps' former teammate signs four-year deal, first test already in September against Turkey
The French Football Federation (FFF) officially confirmed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, what had long been speculated, Zinedine Zidane (54) has taken over the national team. The contract is for four years, fulfilling a desire the former midfielder had harbored since leaving Real Madrid.
At a press conference at FFF headquarters, President Philippe Diallo described Zidane as a 'legend of French football,' highlighting the significance of the moment. According to Glas Istre, Zidane said: "The French national team was the only thing I wanted. It's a continuation, in a way, a dream come true. Over the past four or five years, I received offers to take over clubs, but I turned them all down because of the French national team."
L'Equipe reports his words full of excitement: "It's immense joy. I'm happy about what's happening to me today; I have no other words. I'm composed, full of emotion. I'm ready for the challenge."
Zidane takes over from Didier Deschamps, who led the team for 14 years (2012-2026). Deschamps won the 2018 World Cup, reached the 2022 final, and finished fourth at this year's World Cup before stepping down. Zidane publicly thanked him: "DD is DD, Blanc was Blanc, Zizou is Zizou. I'll do what I know," Euronews quotes him as saying.
Guardian Sport reveals that Diallo contacted Zidane as early as February 2025, right after Deschamps announced his departure. Zidane had been free since 2021, when he left Real Madrid, waiting for this very opportunity.
As a coach, Zidane is the only one to have won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, and with Real Madrid, he lifted a total of 11 major trophies, Anadolu English reminds us. Now he wants to pass on his philosophy to a new generation. "What drives me? The game. I was a 'number 10,' I love goals. On the pitch, I was a leader, and now I want to be a leader through experience," he told Guardian Sport.
His tenure begins on August 1, 2026, with the first matches scheduled for September. The first is September 25, 2026, away against Turkey, Euronews reported. Zidane also said he hasn't yet spoken with captain Kylian Mbappé, whom he leaves to 'enjoy his vacation.' L'Equipe also reports that he emphasized the key challenge will be overcoming Spain, the 'bête noire' of the French national team.
Kurir.rs reports, citing L'Equipe, that the FFF had to act quickly to avoid the new Sports Governance Law. This law stipulates a salary cap for sports federations at €450,000 gross annually, far below Zidane's expectations. The contract was therefore signed before the law took effect, bypassing the cap.
Zidane also addressed racist insults directed at players, saying, according to L'Equipe: "We might not change things; we live in a beautiful country with this diversity. I grew up in a neighborhood where there was room for everyone. We must fight against racism."
Finally, he sent support to fans from his native Marseille and announced that his staff would be presented in September, 'practically the same' as before. France eagerly awaits the debut of its greatest son on the bench.
