Zinedine Zidane has agreed to become the new head coach of the French national team, signing a deal that will run until June 2030. The announcement was made by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who stated the agreement is complete and Zidane will be unveiled in the coming days. This marks Zidane's first managerial role at international level, with his tenure expected to include the 2027 UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The 54-year-old has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 after two spells in charge. During his time at the club, he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, along with two La Liga championships and multiple domestic and international trophies. A World Cup winner as a player with France in 1998, Zidane has long expressed interest in leading the national team. He is set to succeed Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012 and is expected to step down after the 2026 World Cup.
The French Football Federation has not yet issued an official statement. However, Romano confirmed the deal using his well-known phrase "Here we go," indicating the agreement is final. Zidane's return to top-level football ends years of speculation about his next move following his departure from Real Madrid.
Zidane is taking charge of France without having managed a national team before, despite being handed a contract through 2030. This long-term commitment comes before the French Football Federation has made any official announcement.
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