The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday following an executive committee meeting. The 54-year-old succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a 1998 World Cup winner as a player and three-time Champions League-winning manager with Real Madrid, will officially take up the role on 1 August. He will name his coaching staff in early September.
“I have often said there is nothing greater than the French national team. It is therefore a joy and obviously a great honour to become the coach of France. It is also a responsibility,” Zidane said in a statement. “I want to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee and the French Football Federation for their trust and salute the fourteen years of Didier and his staff. Needless to say, I have a lot of ambition for the French Team!”
FFF president Philippe Diallo described the appointment as a source of immense pride, calling Zidane a legend of French football who has become one of the most decorated and respected coaches of his generation.
Zidane’s first matches in charge will come in the UEFA Nations League, beginning with an away fixture against Turkey on 25 September.