Paris: The French Football Federation (FFF) on Tuesday announced the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the men's national team on a four-year contract that runs until the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
FFF president Philippe Diallo officially presented Zidane at a specially convened press conference following a meeting of the federation's executive committee.
Zidane becomes the 18th manager in the history of Les Bleus since Henri Guerin took charge in 1964. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, who ended his 14-year tenure after the team's semi-final exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"I've often said it, there's nothing greater than the French national team. So it's a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team. It's also a responsibility," Zidane said in a statement shared by the FFF.
"I want to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the fourteen years of service from Didier and his staff. I also have a special thought today for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team!" he added.
Zidane, who will officially take charge on August 1, will lead France in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign. He will subsequently oversee the team's Euro 2028 qualifying campaign, the 2028-29 Nations League and the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 54-year-old, widely regarded as one of France's greatest-ever players, is set to announce his coaching staff in early September.
Welcoming Zidane's appointment, FFF president Philippe Diallo said: "Zidane's appointment is a source of immense pride for the French Football Federation. It marks the meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation, and a team with rare potential, driven by the highest ambitions."
He added: "Zinedine Zidane's exceptional career is built on talent, hard work, humility, and excellence. These are values shared by the French national team, and which we want to uphold together, with ambition, over the next four years."
With IANS inputs