Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new manager of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The announcement, made Tuesday morning, ends a 14-year tenure for Deschamps.
Zidane, who previously managed Real Madrid, confirmed that discussions with French football authorities began in February 2025, shortly after Deschamps announced his intention to step down following the 2026 World Cup. At his unveiling in Paris, Zidane emphasized his patience and preparedness for the position.
"I had several offers in the last four or five years, but I turned them all down," Zidane stated. "The national team is the only thing I wanted."
While Zidane expressed his enthusiasm, he provided few specific details about his plans for the team. When asked about potential player roles, such as Kylian Mbappé's captaincy, Zidane deferred the discussion. "The most important thing for him now is to rest, we'll have the chance to speak in September," he said.
He also avoided elaborating on his preferred playing style, stating, "I can't explain to you in just a couple of words how we're going win. I have to arrive, meet with the players, and explain my plans to them. After that, it'll be up to me to keep this team winning."
However, Zidane did signal his intention to innovate. "I'm going to try do what I know how to, but it won't be a complete break either," he added, suggesting a blend of familiar strategies and new approaches while also praising the work of his predecessor.