# Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zinedine-zidane-appointment-as-france-head-coach
> Updated: 2026-08-24T22:49:36.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

Zinedine Zidane has been officially appointed as the head coach of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. Following his presentation at the French Football Federation headquarters, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, known as the Quai d’Orsay, issued a statement regarding the appointment.

The Ministry highlighted Zidane’s potential to enhance France’s international influence, noting that the national team serves as a tool for promoting the country on the global stage. The ministry expressed its support, stating that the team “inspires people when it succeeds.”

This transition follows the fourteen-year tenure of Didier Deschamps, who is credited with maintaining France’s competitive character through various eras, spanning from the leadership of Michel Platini to the captaincy of Kylian Mbappé. Deschamps’ legacy is defined by tactical flexibility and the ability to integrate different generations of talent while maintaining collective discipline.

Zidane’s appointment includes a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. He is scheduled to lead his first match with the national team in Turkey in one month. As he prepares for his debut, attention has turned to potential player selections. Analysts have noted that Stade Rennais striker Esteban Lepaul has emerged as a candidate for the initial roster following strong performances in Ligue 1, including a goal against Paris Saint-Germain.

Zidane is currently in the process of restructuring the team’s technical and administrative staff. Reports indicate that journalist Xavier Giraudon may handle media relations, while former goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is expected to oversee goalkeeper training. Zidane is anticipated to present a full staff of approximately 25 members at a forthcoming press conference.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Zinedine Zidane appointed France national team head coach

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national football team on a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zinedine-zidane-appointed-france-national-team-head-coach

### 2026-08-22: Zinédine Zidane appointed head coach of French national football team

Zinédine Zidane has been named the new head coach of the French national football team, a move welcomed by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs for its potential to boost international influence.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zindine-zidane-appointed-head-coach-of-french-national-football-team

### 2026-08-19: Zinédine Zidane named coach of France national football team

Zinédine Zidane has officially been named coach of the France national football team and is currently assembling his technical and administrative staff.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zindine-zidane-named-coach-of-france-national-football-team

### 2026-08-02: Zinedine Zidane named head coach of France national football team

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of France’s national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps, with former teammate Robert Pirès welcoming the move.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zinedine-zidane-named-head-coach-of-france-national-football-team-1

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Cite as: Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zinedine-zidane-appointment-as-france-head-coach