Zinedine Zidane has been announced as France’s new head coach.
The World Cup-winning midfielder and former Real Madrid manager has been presented this morning to the media, as he takes over from Didier Deschamps.
Deschamps was in charge of the national team for the last 14 years, guiding them to two World Cup finals, winning in Russia in 2018 and a European Championship final.
He became the second man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, after Franz Beckenbauer.
His last game in charge of the French national team saw his side lose in the third-place play-off of the World Cup to England 6-4.
Zidane takes over having been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021.
The Frenchman won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000 as a player.
His first national team managerial role will be trying to guide France to European glory after they were knocked out in 2024 by Spain 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Zinedine Zidane has been announced as France’s new head coach
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The Spaniards have proved to be a hurdle the French cannot overcome, losing to them in the World Cup semi-finals 2-0.
Goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro were enough to knock France out, who had to settle for fourth place this year.
Zidane, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1998, has an incredible record as a manager despite only coaching for just over a decade.
During his time with Real Madrid, the Frenchman won two La Liga titles, one Supercopa, two Super Cups and two Club World Cups.
Zidane takes over from Didier Deschamps
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His most impressive achievement as a coach is winning the Champions League in three successive seasons, overseeing a Real side that was unbeatable in Europe.
Upon taking up his new role as France’s manager, Zidane said it comes with “a great source of pride”.
He continued: “I’ve often said it: there’s nothing greater than the French national team.
“So it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team.
Zinedine Zidane won three Champions League titles as Real Madrid boss | GETTY
“It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.
“I also have a special thought today for all my coaches.
“Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”
