Zidane announced as new France manager
A new era starts for the French national side Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of France. Author | Jack L Didier Deschamps, France’s longest-serving manager, brought his 14-year spell in charge to an end following the country’s semi-final defeat by Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, who helped France win the World Cup as a player in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021. The 54-year-old, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest-ever players, will sign a contract taking him through the 2030 World Cup qualifying campaign. Zidane said his appointment was “a great source of pride” as he prepares to take charge of a France side that finished fourth at the World Cup. A closer look at Zidane's managerial career so far After retiring from playing following the 2006 World Cup, Zidane did not move into management until 2014, when he took charge of Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s reserve ...