Zidane’s return to the national team
Zinedine Zidane has been named the new head coach of the France men’s national team, marking his first coaching role in five years. The appointment follows the departure of Didier Deschamps, who concluded his 12-year tenure after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane’s four-year deal is set to begin next month, with his full coaching team expected to be announced a few weeks later. His first match as coach will be an away fixture in Turkey, followed by two games against Belgium and a match against Italy in Paris.
At his unveiling in Paris, Zidane expressed his long-held desire for the national team role, stating he had turned down numerous other offers over the past four or five years. He emphasized that the national team was the only position he truly wanted after his time with Real Madrid. Discussions between Zidane and French football authorities began in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down.
Zidane’s last coaching position was with Real Madrid, where he had two stints, the second ending in May 2021. During his time at Real Madrid, he achieved significant success, including winning two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2018. The 54-year-old acknowledged that leading a national team presents a new challenge, but he expressed confidence and a lack of fear regarding the role.
Continuity and a new approach
Despite his enthusiasm, Zidane offered limited tactical details during his initial press conference. When asked about his preferred style of play, he indicated that he would need to meet with the players to explain his plans. He did, however, confirm his intention to “do things differently” while also signaling a degree of “continuation” from his predecessor’s work, which he praised. Zidane stated, “I’m going to try do what I know how to, but it won’t be a complete break either.”
Zidane and Deschamps, both members of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad, share similarities in their managerial approach, particularly in their pragmatism and a flexible stance on attacking play. Given the attacking talent available to France, it is anticipated that Zidane will maintain this attacking emphasis. He hinted at retaining a role similar to the one Michael Olise excelled in during the summer, stating, “What motivates me is the game, it’s scoring goals.”
The transition comes after a successful period for the French national team under Deschamps, which included a World Cup victory in 2018 and the 2021 Nations League title, as well as reaching the finals of the European Championships in 2016 and the World Cup in 2022. Zidane is taking over a team that appears to be in a strong position, contrasting with the challenges Deschamps faced at the beginning of his tenure.
The reaction to Zidane’s appointment among players and fans has been largely positive. Upon his departure from the French Football Federation’s headquarters, he was greeted by supporters. Kylian Mbappe welcomed him on Instagram, writing, “Welcome home.” Former France and Bordeaux teammate Bixente Lizarazu described it as “a great day for French football,” highlighting Zidane’s ability to manage high-profile players and strong personalities, a key strength that could help him maximize the potential of attackers like Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Olise. The next international break, featuring four Nations League fixtures over three weeks, will provide the French players with their first experience under the new management.
Source: bbc.co.uk
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”