Zidane Takes Charge of France as New Era Begins for Les Bleus

French football icon Zinedine Zidane has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of the France national team, ending years of speculation over who would succeed Didier Deschamps.

The appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for Les Bleus after Deschamps stepped down following a 14-year spell in charge.

French newspaper L'Équipe captured the moment with the headline "Il revient" – meaning "He's back"– echoing the famous front page it published in 2005 when Zidane returned from international retirement to help France qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Hundreds of fans gathered outside the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris for Zidane's official unveiling, while journalists from across the country packed the venue to witness one of the biggest moments in French football in recent years.

FFF President Philippe Diallo said discussions with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps announced he would leave the role.

Diallo described Zidane as one of French football's greatest figures, saying the federation wanted a coach with the experience, leadership and connection to supporters needed to guide one of the world's strongest national teams.

For Zidane, the appointment fulfils a long-held ambition.

The former France captain revealed he turned down several club coaching offers over the past five years because his only goal was to manage the national team.

"The national team is the only thing I wanted," Zidane said.

"I've been with the French teams since I was a child. It's an immense joy. I am ready for the challenge."

The former Real Madrid manager also described the appointment as the greatest day of his coaching career.

Although Zidane did not reveal many details about his plans, he said his priority is to keep France among the world's best teams.

He declined to confirm whether Kylian Mbappé would remain captain, saying he first wants to meet the squad before making key decisions.

Zidane also acknowledged the challenge posed by reigning world champions Spain, who have beaten France in three consecutive major tournament semi-finals, but insisted his focus would be on competing against every top nation.

After years of waiting, one of football's most celebrated figures is finally taking charge of the country he helped lead to World Cup glory as a player, with expectations high that he can now deliver success from the touchline.