Zinedine Zidane Reportedly Set to Take Charge of France as Didier Deschamps’ 14-Year Era Ends
Zinedine Zidane is poised to become the new head coach of the French men's national football team, with the FFF set to make the official announcement on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM in Paris. This follows the conclusion of Didier Deschamps' successful 14-year tenure, which included a 2018 World Cup win.
Paris is abuzz with anticipation as the French Football Federation (FFF) prepares to unveil Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach of the national men's team, Les Bleus. The announcement, slated for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM local time at the FFF headquarters, marks the end of an extraordinary 14-year era under Didier Deschamps and the dawn of a new chapter for French football. Manchester City Star Rodri Sidelined for Extended Period Following Back Surgery Post Spain's FIFA World Cup 2026 Win.
Philippe Diallo, the President of the FFF, will preside over the press conference, where Zidane, a legend both as a player and coach, is expected to take the reins. The move follows Deschamps' departure after France's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign concluded with a fourth-place finish, losing the bronze final to England on July 18, 2026.
Didier Deschamps' Legacy: A Golden Era
Didier Deschamps, who took charge on July 8, 2012, has overseen one of the most successful periods in French football history. His tenure saw France lift the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy in 2018 and secure the UEFA Nations League title in 2021. Under his leadership, France also reached the finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and the FIFA World Cup 2022, alongside semi-final appearances in Euro 2024 and the recent 2026 World Cup. Deschamps, aged 57 (born October 15, 1968), departs after etching his name firmly in the annals of French football.
Zinedine Zidane's Return: A New Dawn for Les Bleus
Zinedine Zidane, aged 54 (born June 23, 1972), returns to top-tier coaching after a five-year hiatus, having last managed Real Madrid until May 2021. His illustrious club coaching career at Real Madrid saw him clinch an impressive 11 trophies across two stints, including an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. Happy Birthday Patrick Vieira: Celebrating France 1998 World Cup Winner As Arsenal Legend Turns 50.
Zidane's managerial honours at Real Madrid include:
UEFA Champions League: 3 (2016, 2017, 2018)
La Liga: 2 (2016–17, 2019–20)
FIFA Club World Cup: 2
UEFA Super Cup: 2
Supercopa de España: 2
His appointment has been widely anticipated, with reports indicating a verbal agreement has been in place for some time. Zidane's first challenge will come swiftly, with France set to play key international fixtures in September and October. This includes a UEFA Nations League clash against Turkey on September 26, followed by a match against Belgium on September 28, and a symbolic encounter at the Stade de France against Italy on October 2.
The French football community eagerly awaits the official confirmation, hoping Zidane can replicate his unparalleled success as a player and club manager on the international stage, guiding Les Bleus into a compelling new era.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2026 05:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
