Zinedine Zidane has officially been named the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. Deschamps, who captained the squad to victory in 1998 and later coached them to a second world title 20 years later, leaves behind a significant legacy. The appointment of the 54-year-old Zidane concludes long-running speculation about his return to his homeland, with the coach stating during his unveiling in Paris that the France job was the only position he truly desired.
Born in 1972 near Marseille to Algerian parents, Zidane rose from the La Castellane housing estate to become an icon of French football. His journey began at Cannes before he moved to Bordeaux, eventually earning his first international call-up from Aime Jacquet in August 1994. Zidane became a central figure for France, notably scoring two headers in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil at the Stade de France. His playing career, which included a world-record transfer to Real Madrid and a stunning volley in the 2002 Champions League final, saw him retire from international duty in 2004, though he briefly returned for the 2006 World Cup. His playing career ended in Berlin with a red card for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi.
Following his retirement, Zidane transitioned into coaching by obtaining a sports management diploma in Limoges. Returning to Real Madrid, "the club of (his) life", he variously held the roles of advisor, sporting director, academy coach, assistant coach and eventually head coach. During his tenure at the Bernabeu, he secured three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. After a brief departure, he returned to Real Madrid to win a second Spanish league title before leaving in 2021. Despite various rumors, Zidane remained selective, often stating that his future would unfold naturally.
Now taking charge of a French squad featuring talents like Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembele, Zidane brings a unique philosophy to the role. Reflecting on his managerial style in 2018, he admitted he might not be the best tactically but emphasized his ability to understand the dressing room and the mindset of his players. Deschamps himself previously praised Zidane, stating, "Already as a player he was extraordinary. He's had a second life as a coach and he is now an extraordinary coach."
From that first international call-up aged 22 in August 1994, Zidane went on to write football history.
Just four years later, he had moved to Italian powerhouses Juventus and Jacquet handed him the No. 10 shirt for France as the country prepared to host the 1998 World Cup.
