Zidane appointed France head coach, pledges attacking football and faces Nations League debut in September

Appointment after 14 years

Zinédine Zidane was officially named head coach of the French national team on 28 July 2026 at the FFF headquarters in Paris. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge. Deschamps led France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 final, the 2026 semi-finals, and the Euro 2016 final. Zidane, a World Cup winner as a player in 1998, had long been expected to take the role. FFF president Philippe Diallo insisted on a press conference, citing Zidane's ability to unite the country. Outside, members of the "Irresistibles francais" supporters group sang La Marseillaise and other chants behind barriers, with a CRS company from Marseille on duty.

He has the ability to bring the French people together.

A more attacking philosophy

At his first press conference, Zidane said he is driven by the game and wants to score goals, signaling a shift from Deschamps' more cautious approach. He acknowledged that coaching a national team is "totally different" from a club but said he is not afraid. Zidane had already moved to strengthen the team's data analysis unit, hiring several dedicated staff, as reported by L'Equipe in March 2026.

I am driven by the game. What motivates me is to go and score goals.

Public and media reaction

A poll by Ouest France found 64% of readers believe the FFF made the right choice. Supporters in Rennes described Zidane as a great figure of French sport. One reader called him a reference in French and world football, citing his three Champions League titles with Real Madrid. Some skeptics argued he benefited from an exceptional squad in Spain and questioned his ability to fix France's midfield. In Belgium, fans also welcomed the appointment, while an English supporter admitted with a touch of jealousy that France had secured one of the biggest names in world football.

He is our pride... Since 1998 he has shown patience and tenacity. The 1998 vintage is exceptional, let's make the most of it.

Financial details and new logo

Le Figaro, citing RMC Sport, reported that Zidane's monthly salary will be around €300,000, rising to about €450,000 with bonuses, or €5.4 million per year. This is twelve times the new annual cap of €450,000 for federation salaries introduced on 21 July. Ouest France noted that the FFF may not need a ministerial waiver to exceed the cap. The French team also unveiled a new logo, described as similar to the previous one.

International echoes

In Italy, where Zidane played for Juventus from 1996 to 2001, fans recalled his impact and the infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final. One supporter said he would thank Zidane because the incident helped Italy win. Journalist Antonio Damascelli called him the greatest French player in Italy after Michel Platini. Italy will face France on 2 October at the Stade de France, with Roberto Mancini newly appointed as Italy's head coach.

If I meet him in the street, I'll thank him, Zidane, because without the headbutt we wouldn't have won the World Cup.

Zizou remained the footballer of great class and elegance. I think after Michel Platini, he was the greatest Frenchman to play in Italy.

First tests

Zidane's first four matches are Nations League fixtures: away to Turkey on 25 September, away to Belgium on 28 September, home to Italy on 2 October, and home to Belgium on 5 October.