Zinedine Zidane appointed as France head coach

Zinedine Zidane has signed a long‑term contract to become the head coach of the French national football team, with the deal running until June 2030. The appointment, first reported by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano and confirmed by the French sports daily L’Équipe, comes after a 14‑year tenure by Didier Deschamps, who announced his departure following the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps said the team’s atmosphere had become “toxic” and that his exit was in the best interest of the squad. He will now support the side as a “silent fan”. Zidane, a 1998 World Cup winner and former Real Madrid manager, is expected to take charge in September and will lead France in the 2027 Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. The French Football Federation has not yet released an official statement, but a formal announcement is expected before the end of July. Details of his coaching staff, including longtime assistant David Bettoni, are also emerging.