Zinedine Zidane is reportedly set to take over as head coach of the France national football team, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Romano announced on social media that Zidane has signed a contract to lead the team through to mid-2030, though the French Football Federation has yet to confirm the appointment officially.

The decision follows the conclusion of Didier Deschamps' 14-year tenure as head coach. Under Deschamps, France secured the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, reached the final of the 2022 tournament, and placed fourth in the most recent competition held earlier this year.

French media outlets had previously identified Zidane as the frontrunner to succeed Deschamps, reflecting his strong reputation and historic ties to both club and country. Zidane’s coaching résumé includes two spells at Real Madrid between 2016 and 2021, during which he led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga championships.

As a player, Zidane is regarded as one of the all-time greats. He captained France to victories at the 1998 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 and secured Champions League glory with Real Madrid in 2002. His playing career concluded at the 2006 World Cup final, where his send-off following an altercation with Italy’s Marco Materazzi marked a memorable and controversial moment in football history.