Former head coach of Real Madrid Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the French national team, as reported by the French Football Federation on Tuesday, writes UNN.
Zinedine Zidane, new coach of the French national team
Details
According to BBC Sport, Didier Deschamps, the longest-serving coach of the French national team, ended his 14-year tenure as head coach after the team's elimination following a defeat to Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, left the team after leaving Real Madrid for the second time as head coach in 2021.
The 54-year-old footballer, considered France's greatest player, will sign a contract that will see him lead the nation through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
After his appointment, he said it was a "great pride" for him to lead the French national team after it finished fourth at the World Cup.
"I have often said: there is nothing better than the French national team. So it is a joy and, obviously, a great pride to become the manager of this French national team," he added.
"It is also a responsibility. I want to thank the president [of the French Football Federation] Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their trust and to acknowledge Didier and his staff's 14 years of service. Today I also want to express special thanks to all my coaches. Clearly, I have great ambitions for the French national team," Zidane noted.
Deschamps led France to three major finals during his 14-year tenure, helping the country secure its second World Cup victory with a win in 2018.
Zidane's first competitive match as coach will be a trip to Turkey in the Nations League on September 25.
Addendum
BBC Sport calls one of the most scandalous moments in World Cup history when French captain Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italian Marco Materazzi in the chest during the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin.
Referee Horacio Elizondo, having missed the incident, was informed of it by the fourth official and showed Zidane a red card.
Several months later, it was alleged that Materazzi insulted Zidane's sister before the headbutt, but the sending off turned out to be the final chapter in Zidane's brilliant career for France.
Italy won 5-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.