After 14 years at the helm of the French national team, Didier Deschamps stepped down as head coach this summer following a fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup. While the outcome was largely anticipated, everyone was waiting for the official announcement of his successor. Now it is official: the French Football Federation announced today that Zinedine Zidane has signed.
This is a moment many France supporters have eagerly awaited, seeing one of football’s all-time greats take charge of the national team. He brings with him the legendary legacy of his playing days, as well as the famous three consecutive Champions League titles won with Real Madrid. The hope is that he—not least through his commanding presence—will propel France to new heights of success, especially given the immense potential within the squad.
There is also a desire for a fresh approach to the team’s style of play, as Didier Deschamps struggled to find a truly convincing formula, particularly against other major nations. That said, it is a formidable challenge; there are other excellent teams, and managing a national squad is a unique task. It is also tied to the country’s broader football landscape—something that cannot be transformed overnight.
Nevertheless, there are undeniably strong assets to build upon with Les Bleus. We wish Zidane great success. His tenure has been highly anticipated, and he will likely face intense scrutiny and high expectations.
