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The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, today, Tuesday, announced the appointment of legend Zinedine Zidane as the head coach of the French national team for a period of 4 years until the 2030 World Cup.
“Very quickly, we were able to make arrangements that allow us to appear before you. After consulting with the French Football Federation Executive Committee this morning and presenting Zidane’s candidacy, I am honored and delighted to announce that Zinedine Zidane will be the head coach of the French national team for the next 30 years at the 20th World Cup.”
Diallo added that the contract officially begins on August 1, noting that “in agreement with the coach, his entire coaching staff will be announced at the beginning of September.”
The president of the French Federation praised the historic deal, saying: “I am handing over the leadership of the French national team to one of our greatest legends. As a coach, he has proven his talent and ability. This is the beginning of a new era for the federation and we are very fortunate in the coincidence of circumstances that allow his legendary career to continue with the French national team.”
Diallo described the moment as “exceptional,” explaining: “It’s been almost 14 years since the Federation has faced this situation, it’s also exceptional for someone sitting next to me,” noting that the last appointment as coach of the French national team was in 2012, when Deschamps took over.
“I praise the work of Didier Deschamps because he led our French national team to the top for 14 years. He restored the image of the French national team and restored its athletic brilliance. As this era comes to an end, it is important that he receives this recognition.”
“When Didier Deschamps announced in January 2025 that he did not want to continue his mission, I was faced with an unprecedented situation. I had to find a solution to ensure the continuation of this golden era of French football with the start of a new era,” adding that the time was right for him to be ready when he was ready.
He noted that the first meeting with Zidane took place in February 2025, saying: “I met with Zidane in February 2025. Since then we have met several times in preparation for his arrival and it was a meeting of two desires. “Zinedine is a legend in French football and for many years he has stated that one of his dreams is to coach the French national team.”
Zidane, who is 54 and won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player, is expected to lead the French national team in his first official UEFA Nations League match next October after achieving exceptional success as Real Madrid manager, notably three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
