Zidane’s Long-Awaited Return
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, marking his first managerial role in five years. This announcement follows the resignation of Didier Deschamps, who led the French squad for 12 years. Zidane’s appointment was confirmed in a press conference held on Monday morning, with a significant crowd of supporters and journalists gathering outside the French Football Federation (FFF) headquarters in Paris.
The former Real Madrid manager revealed that he had declined numerous job opportunities over the past five years, stating that the France national team was the only position he desired. “In the last four or five years, I had offers to join a club and I refused them all for the France national team,” Zidane explained during his first press conference as head coach. He added, “This job is the only job I wanted to do after my career with Real Madrid.”
Zidane’s ambition to manage Les Bleus has been an open secret for several years. He expressed that he has always viewed the France national team from the perspective of both a fan and a future manager, which influenced his decision to not take on any club teams during his hiatus. He had been linked to various prominent roles in world football, including a position at Manchester United, but consistently turned them down.
The Path to the National Team
The groundwork for Zidane’s appointment began in February 2025, when he met with FFF president Philippe Diallo. This meeting occurred shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the World Cup. Zidane shared his eagerness to succeed Deschamps, stating, “But since Deschamps’ decision at the start of 2025 to step down after the next World Cup, the next day I was very animated to say I wanted to be his successor.”
President Diallo acknowledged the significance of Zidane’s return, describing it as a “huge honour and a big responsibility” given the team’s recent successes under Deschamps. Diallo recalled Zidane’s confident declaration during their February 2025 meeting: “Mr President, I know how to win.” This statement, according to Diallo, confirmed Zidane’s desire and confidence to lead the team. Zidane’s contract is set to begin next month, with his extended staff expected to be unveiled a few weeks before the first international break of the new season, which starts on 21 September.
During his tenure as Real Madrid manager, Zidane achieved significant success, including winning two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2018. He emphasized that he was not idle during his five-year break, spending time watching numerous matches, including those of the France national team, and observing their “enormous potential.”
Continuity and New Beginnings
Zidane acknowledged the successful era under Deschamps, which saw France win the World Cup in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League, as well as reaching the finals of the European Championships in 2016 and the World Cup in 2022. Despite this, he indicated that his approach would differ. “Honestly, we’re going to do things differently. Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps. Laurent Blanc was Laurent Blanc. Zizou is Zizou. I’m going to try to do what I know how to do.”
However, Zidane also stressed the importance of maintaining continuity to ensure the team continues its winning ways. He expressed no concerns about taking on a national team role for the first time, noting the different nature of the job compared to club coaching. “It’s a completely different job from club coaching. It doesn’t scare me,” he stated, highlighting that it suits his personal life well.
While his first public appearance as head coach offered few details on his specific plans for the national team, Zidane did hint at a potential shift in playing style, referencing his own playing days as a No 10. He also addressed the challenge of competing with the reigning world champions, who have defeated France in three consecutive tournament semi-finals, including the 2025 Nations League. Zidane’s first match as head coach will be an away game against Turkey.
His homecoming match, however, is scheduled against Italy, an opponent with historical significance for Zidane, recalling his red card against them in the 2006 World Cup final. The new head coach is set to lead France in four Nations League group matches following the 21 September international break.
Source: skysports.com
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”