Zinedine Zidane will become the head coach of the French national team on a four-year contract starting 1 August, ending Didier Deschamps' 14-year tenure. The French Football Federation (FFF) made the appointment official on Tuesday, with president Philippe Diallo opening the press conference by thanking Deschamps for taking the team 'to the very top.'
'I'm excited,' Zidane said. 'The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.'
Diallo noted that Zidane had long expressed a desire to coach Les Bleus. 'Zinedine is a legend of French football and for many years he has made it known that one of his dreams was to coach the France team,' he said. The contract covers the Nations League qualifiers, Euro 2028, and the 2030 World Cup.
A legend returns
Zidane began his first address as head coach with a message of support for those affected by the wildfires in southwestern France, as well as for firefighters and farmers on the front line. 'That's my first thought,' he said. The region has seen mass evacuations in recent days as blazes spread near Bordeaux.
The 1998 World Cup winner revealed he had turned down several club offers in recent years to wait for the France job. 'For me, it's an immense joy. I don't have any other words,' he said.
On his coaching philosophy, Zidane was clear: 'DD is DD, Blanc was Blanc, Zizou is Zizou. I'm going to do what I know how to do.' He indicated his coaching staff would be 'practically' the same as the one that worked with him at Real Madrid. 'I'm pretty loyal on that front,' he added.
No contact with Mbappé yet
Zidane said he has not spoken to any players, including captain Kylian Mbappé. 'The most important thing for him is to rest. We'll have the chance to talk about all that soon, in September,' he said, without confirming whether Mbappé will retain the captaincy. His first squad will be announced in September.
The new head coach identified Les Bleus' greatest strength as their squad depth. 'I know we have what it takes. We have extraordinary players. Now I need to see them and explain what I'm going to do,' he said.
Asked about racist abuse directed at France players after recent matches, Zidane called for people to 'fight racism.' 'We might not change things. We live in a wonderful country with this diversity. I grew up in a neighbourhood where there was room for everyone. That's my life,' he said. 'Engaging with everyone. That's what we're trying to do.'
Deschamps' legacy
Didier Deschamps steps down after France's disappointing World Cup exit but leaves behind a remarkable legacy. During his 14 years in charge, he won the 2018 World Cup, reached the 2022 World Cup final and the 2026 semi-finals, and led France to the Euro 2016 final.
Zidane had a message for supporters in his hometown of Marseille. 'They've always been there, and whenever I return to the region, I feel the passion. I want to keep making them dream.'
