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Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-25 05:35 UTC → 2026-09-18 08:32 UTC · added removed

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 His four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. He is scheduled to lead Cup, with his first debut match with the national team scheduled to take place in Turkey in one month. As he Zidane prepares for to lead the team, speculation regarding his debut, attention initial roster has turned to potential player selections. intensified. Analysts have noted that highlighted Stade Rennais striker Esteban Lepaul has emerged as a potential candidate for the initial roster following strong performances in Ligue 1, 1 performances, including a goal against Paris Saint-Germain. Zidane is currently in the process of restructuring the team’s Zidane’s efforts to build his technical and administrative staff. Reports indicate that journalist Xavier Giraudon may handle media relations, while former goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is expected staff have encountered early friction. Marc Rétali, a specialist podiatrist appointed to oversee goalkeeper training. Zidane is anticipated the medical staff on August 13, was dismissed by the French Football Federation (FFF) on August 15, just two days after his appointment. The FFF cited Rétali’s failure to present respect a full staff “strict duty of approximately 25 members reserve” following an interview he gave to RMC Sport. Rétali has contested the dismissal, calling it a “formal injustice” and noting that he had not yet signed a formal contract at the time of the interview. He characterized the incident as a forthcoming press conference. “mistake of judgment” rather than an attempt to leak confidential information. Serge Isidoro has been named to replace Rétali on the medical staff.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-18 08:32 UTC Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach
  2. 2026-08-25 05:35 UTC Zinedine Zidane appointed France head coach
  3. 2026-08-22 12:01 UTC Zinedine Zidane appointment as France head coach
  4. 2026-08-21 10:41 UTC Zinedine Zidane appointment as France head coach

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