France announce Zinedine Zidane as new coach, replacing Didier Deschamps - ESPN

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as France's new coach, replacing Didier Deschamps.

Zidane, 54, is one of France's greatest ever players, leading his country to victory at the 1998 World Cup, and won three Champions Leagues as coach of Real Madrid.

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane's appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, saying he has been given a four-year contract.

«This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me,» Diallo said. «Zinedine is one of the legends of French soccer and for many years he said one of his dreams was to take charge of the France team.»

He has been out of work since resigning as Madrid boss in May 2021, and has long been viewed as the natural successor to Deschamps.

«For me it's a continuity, a dream,» Zidane said. «I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.»

Zidane called it «an immense joy» to take charge of the team he starred for.

«I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge,» he said. «That's what motivates me.

»Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win. I would also like to congratulate DD [Deschamps] for these remarkable years."

Diallo said he met Zidane for talks in February 2025 after Deschamps said he would stand down after the 2026 World Cup.

«What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals,» Zidane said. «I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience.»

Deschamps — a former teammate of Zidane — was in charge of France for 14 years, taking over in 2012 and departing