Zinedine Zidane has officially returned to the French national team, this time as the man responsible for leading Les Bleus from the touchline. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment of the former World Cup winner as the new head coach of France, beginning a new chapter after Didier Deschamps' 14-year reign.

The appointment fulfills a long-standing ambition for Zidane, who has repeatedly expressed his desire to manage his country one day. After years away from coaching, the former Real Madrid manager has finally taken charge of the team he represented as one of the greatest players in French football history.

A New Era Begins After Didier Deschamps

Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who transformed France into one of the world's most successful international teams during his 14 years in charge. Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, reached another World Cup final in 2022 and consistently remained among the strongest national sides in international football.

The transition marks one of the most symbolic changes in French football history. Both men share a unique connection with Les Bleus: Deschamps lifted the World Cup trophy as captain in 1998, while Zidane was the star of that same tournament, scoring twice in the final against Brazil.

Zidane Returns to Management After Five Years

The France job represents Zidane's first coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. During two successful spells at the Spanish club, Zidane built one of the most impressive managerial records in modern football.

His greatest achievement came between 2016 and 2018, when he guided Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, becoming the first coach in the competition's modern era to achieve that feat.

Despite receiving interest from several major clubs and national teams over recent years, Zidane reportedly waited for the opportunity to lead France, a position considered the ultimate challenge for the Marseille-born football icon.

High Expectations From French Fans

Zidane arrives with enormous expectations. A recent period of uncertainty following the 2026 World Cup has created pressure for France to maintain its position among football's elite nations.

The new coach inherits a squad filled with world-class talent, including Kylian Mbappé and a generation of emerging stars such as Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola and Désiré Doué. His challenge will be finding the right balance between experienced leaders and younger players.

A Different Football Philosophy Expected

While Deschamps was known for tactical discipline, defensive organization and tournament efficiency, Zidane is expected to introduce a more possession-based and creative approach inspired by his playing career and his experience at Real Madrid.

During his time at Madrid, Zidane became known for managing superstar personalities, creating harmony inside the dressing room and adapting his tactics depending on the strengths of his players.

Those qualities could prove crucial with a France squad containing some of the world's most talented attacking players.

The Road to Euro 2028 and World Cup 2030

Zidane's contract runs for four years, taking him through the next major international cycle and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

His first objectives will include rebuilding confidence after the 2026 World Cup campaign, preparing France for the UEFA Nations League and developing a team capable of competing for future major trophies.

The pressure will be immediate, but Zidane's history with the national team gives him a level of support rarely enjoyed by a new coach.

A Legendary Player Becomes France's Leader

Few coaches begin a national team role with a legacy comparable to Zidane's. As a player, he won the 1998 World Cup, European Championship in 2000 and became one of the most admired footballers of his generation.

Now, more than two decades after lifting the World Cup as a player, Zidane will attempt to create another historic chapter with France — this time from the technical area.

The Zidane era has officially begun, and expectations could hardly be higher.