The French Football Federation is set to announce Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the France national soccer team on Tuesday. The federation’s president, Philippe Diallo, is expected to reveal the appointment at a press conference at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.
Zidane, 54, has not managed a team since stepping down as head coach of Real Madrid in 2021. During his tenure at the Spanish club, he led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. Zidane takes over from Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after a 14-year spell in charge following France’s semifinal loss to Spain in the recent World Cup. Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 World Cup and finished as runners-up in the 2022 tournament, losing the final on penalties. The team also fell to Portugal in the 2016 European Championship final, which was held in France.
Zidane is widely regarded as one of France’s greatest players, having been a pivotal figure in the national team’s success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was instrumental in France’s 1998 World Cup victory, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. He also helped France secure the European Championship in 2000 and earned the Ballon d’Or in 1998. During his international career, Zidane played 108 matches and scored 31 goals, including a memorable penalty in the 2006 World Cup final, where France ultimately lost to Italy in a penalty shootout. That match is also remembered for Zidane’s sending off in extra time after headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi.
France’s upcoming fixtures include matches in the UEFA Nations League, with an away game against Turkey on September 25, followed by a match in Belgium three days later. The team will then face Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, offering Zidane an early chance to demonstrate his approach.
Meanwhile, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is reportedly pursuing candidates to replace Roberto Mancini as Italy’s coach. The federation has engaged in talks with former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and current Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, though no decisions have been announced.