France has finally returned to one of its greatest icons, nomina Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach after Didier Deschamps resigned after 2026 FIFA World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, handing the former Real Madrid manager a four-year contract. FFF president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane’s arrival at the federation’s headquarters in Paris, describing the appointment as a landmark moment for French football. “This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person standing next to me,” Diallo said. “Zidane is one of the legends of French football.” For Zidane, the appointment marks the realization of a dream that he had waited years to realize. The 54-year-old, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, admitted he deliberately stepped away from club football in anticipation of an opportunity. “I’m excited,” Zidane said, clenching his fists. “The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team.” “I’ve waited five years for this chance, so that’s why I’m a little emotional,” he added, calling it the happiest day of his coaching career. The former France captain admitted that leading the national team had always been his ultimate ambition after leaving Madrid. “I always looked at this part as a fan and also as a future coach, I didn’t hide it,” said Zidane. “That’s why I didn’t take a club team. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was to take the France team.” He revealed that several offers came his way during his time away from management, but none tempted him from his goal. “For me it’s a continuity, a dream,” said Zidane. “I had some offers during the five years I went to take charge of a club, but I rejected them all for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.” Describing the role as “an immense joy”, Zidane said he was eager to embrace the challenge. “I have so many emotions, I’m ready for the challenge,” he said. “That’s what motivates me.” The French great also paid tribute to his predecessor, Didier Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title before stepping down following Les Bleus’ semi-final defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. “Today I have the opportunity to be the leader of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win,” said Zidane. “I also want to congratulate DD (Deschamps) for these remarkable years.” Diallo revealed that talks with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps informed the federation that he intended to leave after the 2026 World Cup. While respecting Deschamps’ achievements, Zidane hinted that his France team would have a different identity. “What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals,” said Zidane. “I was a leader in the field and now I want to be a leader by experience.” Zidane’s first game in charge will come in Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, before another away game against Belgium three days later. French supporters will get their first chance to see him on the touchline at the Stade de France on October 2 when France host Italy, exactly 20 years after Zidane’s infamous red card in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final for Italy defender Marco Materazzi. “I noticed all four games to come, they are in my head,” said Zidane. “Italy is special, because I played there, because I know the people, because I speak Italian. All these things.”