Zidane primed to unleash France attacking firepower

July 28 : Zinedine Zidane will take charge of France with the weight of history behind him and one of world football's most gifted squads in front of him, as the 1998 World Cup hero returns to the national team tasked with turning recent near-misses into trophies.

The announcement on Tuesday confirmed that France were handing the reins to a man whose brilliance as a player helped deliver their first World Cup title on home soil, and whose managerial pedigree was proven by winning the biggest prizes at Real Madrid.

Zidane is a coach defined by calm authority, man-management skills and an ability to give elite players the freedom to decide matches. At Real, he built a side that could move the ball swiftly in transition, switch shape quickly and remain composed under pressure in the biggest games.

He led Real Madrid to three successive Champions League titles, and that will be the level demanded by France as they build towards the 2028 European Championship.

"When I met Zinedine in February 2025, he said to me, ‘President, I know how to win.’ I sensed someone who had the drive and the confidence to lead Les Bleus to victory," France Football Federation President Philippe Diallo said.

For a French squad featuring forwards Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise and Desire Doue in their prime, Zidane’s appointment offers the possibility of an even sharper attacking identity.

RECENT FAILURES

France have rarely lacked talent, but their recent failures at decisive moments have raised questions over whether they need more freedom, invention and unpredictability when the stakes are highest.

Zidane’s Real Madrid were balanced and pragmatic when necessary, but what gave them their edge was the latitude afforded to elite players like