Zidane appointed France head coach

Zinedine Zidane appointed coach of the France national team, replacing Didier Deschamps, with a 4-year contract announced by FFF president Philippe Diallo.

Zidane's first coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021; he turned down club offers to wait for the France job.

Zidane praised Deschamps for winning the 2018 World Cup and stepping down after Les Bleus lost in the 2026 World Cup semifinals to Spain.

Zidane said France will play differently under him, emphasizing attack: 'I was a No. 10, I like goals.'