French football legend Zinedine Zidane has officially begun a new chapter in his illustrious career after being unveiled as the head coach of the France national team, declaring that it was the only job he had been waiting for.
The 54-year-old was formally presented by the French Football Federation (FFF) in Paris on Tuesday, days after being appointed to succeed Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign ended following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane signed a four-year contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, ending years of speculation linking him with the national team job.
Speaking at his first press conference as France coach, the 1998 World Cup winner admitted he was overwhelmed with emotion as he realised a long-held ambition.
“For me, it’s an immense joy, being able 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 appointment comes after Zidane reportedly turned down several offers from top European clubs since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, choosing instead to wait for the opportunity to lead his country.
“The France job was the only one I wanted,” he said.
“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.”
Zidane inherits one of international football’s most successful teams from his former teammate, Didier Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and a fourth-place finish at the recently concluded 2026 tournament.
As a player, Zidane remains one of France’s greatest icons, inspiring Les Bleus to their first-ever FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998 with two goals in the final against Brazil before helping the country win the UEFA European Championship in 2000.
His managerial credentials are equally impressive. During two spells with Real Madrid, Zidane won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, alongside two La Liga crowns and several other major trophies.
Despite his success at club level, Zidane acknowledged that international management presents a different challenge.
“It’s a completely different job, that’s for sure,” he said.
“I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me.”
He pledged to continue the winning culture established by Deschamps while remaining true to his own philosophy.
“I’m going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning. That’s it, the only thing that drives me is being able to work for this France team and making sure it keeps on winning.”
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo revealed that discussions with Zidane about the national team role began as early as February 2025 after Deschamps announced he would step down following the 2026 World Cup.
According to Diallo, Zidane’s confidence convinced the federation he was the right man for the job.
“During the conversations we had, he said to me, ‘President, I know how to win,'” Diallo recalled.
“When he said that, I saw someone who had both the desire and the self-belief needed to lead France. That is what it takes for our national team to remain successful in the years ahead.”
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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