France turn to Zidane as coach in long awaited homecoming
Zinedine Zidane was appointed France coach on Tuesday, as widely expected, following the departure of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced. Zidane, 54, had […]
Zinedine Zidane was appointed France coach on Tuesday, as widely expected, following the departure of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced.
Zidane, 54, had long been viewed as the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for an opportunity to take charge of the national team for several years.
He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.
Deschamps guided France to 2018 World Cup glory and the final four years later.
“For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words,” said Zidane, who takes over on a four-year deal that runs until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
“I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today.”
Former Real Madrid star Zidane, who was Deschamps’ teammate in the 1998 World Cup triumph, has been readying himself for the role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
