Zinedine Zidane Takes Over as Coach of French National Team

Zinedine Zidane is finally heading home.

The iconic former midfielder will officially take over as head coach of the French national team, with sources close to the negotiations confirming that the decision has effectively been locked in since last November. Inside the federation, there was no real suspense: the Les Bleus bench was always destined for “Zizou.”

A long-term pact with Les Bleus

Behind the scenes, Zidane has already been working as if he were in charge. His backroom staff is fully assembled, the structure of his technical team mapped out in detail. Only the final signatures and administrative formalities remain, expected to be wrapped up within the month.

This is not a short, symbolic reunion between a legend and his country. The French federation has handed Zidane a long-term project, a clear statement that this is a new cycle rather than a stopgap solution. He has been given time, authority, and a horizon that stretches far beyond a single tournament.

Three tournaments, one mandate

The roadmap is already drawn. Zidane will be tasked with leading France through the next UEFA Nations League campaign, then into Euro 2028, and on to the 2030 World Cup.

Three major competitions. One overarching responsibility: keep France at the sharp end of world football.

The expectations are enormous, but so is the pedigree of the man stepping in. The question now is not whether Zidane will change Les Bleus, but how far he can take them over the next six years.