Widely regarded as one of France’s greatest footballers of all time, Zidane begins a new chapter in his career after years of being linked with the national team coaching role.
The 54-year-old is celebrated for helping France win the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000.
He also captained the French national team and famously scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup final, leading France to a 3-0 victory over Brazil. That same year, he won the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the world’s best footballer.
As a coach, Zidane built an outstanding reputation at Real Madrid, guiding the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. He also won two La Liga titles and several other trophies before leaving the Spanish giants in 2021.
Taking charge of the French national team is a role Zidane has long expressed interest in. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who spent 14 years as head coach and led Les Bleus to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final.
Zidane is expected to continue building a squad centered on talented young players while maintaining France’s status as one of the world’s strongest contenders for major international trophies. He will also be tasked with blending experienced stars with emerging talent to keep the team competitive at the highest level.
Despite the expectations and pressure of following Deschamps’ successful era, Zidane’s achievements as both a player and a coach have given many French fans confidence in his ability to lead the national team.
Zidane’s first match in charge will be against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25.
