The French Football Federation (FFF) has appointed the great figure of French football, Zinedine Zidane, as coach, bringing Didier Deschamps’s 14 years in the job to an end. After many ups and downs and a long wait since leaving Real Madrid, the French legend has taken the seat he had dreamed of all his life. The FFF has confirmed the appointment officially.
The French Football Federation has signed Zidane on a contract until 2030. He will therefore be in the Les Bleus dugout for Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Announcing Zidane as coach, the FFF president, Philippe Diallo, called it a historic moment. He said: “This is an extraordinary and unforgettable moment. After 14 long years the federation has had the chance to appoint a new head coach. I want to express my deep respect and thanks to Deschamps. For 14 long years he kept French football at the summit of world football. He took the image of Les Bleus on the field to a unique height. It is extremely important to honour his contribution properly.”
Zidane too could not contain his excitement and emotion at this new chapter in Paris. Expressing his feelings on taking the job, he said: “This is a moment of boundless joy for me. I am truly delighted and thrilled. I am fully prepared to face this new challenge and it inspires me greatly.”
Although he turned down offers from various leading clubs after his remarkable success at Real Madrid, Zidane’s eye was fixed only on the France team. Recalling his own past and his love for the French national team, Zidane added: “After finishing my coaching spell at Real Madrid, taking charge of the France national team was my only wish. I turned down offers from every other club just to become coach of the French national team. I have known this cherished dream since childhood; I came up through every stage from the French youth teams and eventually played for the senior national side, which is the highest peak of a footballer’s career. Working for this team and ensuring one victory after another is now my only motivation.”
As a player Zidane won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with his country, and as a coach he wrote his name into history by winning three consecutive Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. After Deschamps’s departure, the arrival of a figure such as Zidane in the dugout signals a new dawn for French football. It remains to be seen how far he can carry his success as a player and club coach into the French dugout.
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