I am ready: Zidane speaks for the first time as France team coach
By Luke Oluoch, July 29, 2026French football legend Zinedine Zidane has hailed the opportunity to work with the national team, Les Bleus, as an opportunity he has always been looking forward to.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus player was presented to the media by the French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo as the new head coach on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the federation headquarters. He will now be the man to lead Les Bleus after the Didier Deschamps era.
During his tenure, Deschamps guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, and the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Widely regarded as one of France’s greatest-ever footballers, Zidane enjoyed an illustrious international career with Les Bleus. The new gaffer said it brought him immense joy to finally start the job he had been waiting for as he stepped into the huge boots of his predecessor.
Zidane, 54, has been without a managerial role since leaving Real Madrid, where he enjoyed immense success, securing 17 total trophies across his stints as both a player and head coach.
Ready for it
“For me, it’s immense joy. I am happy to have the opportunity to coach the French national team. Honestly, I have no other words.”
Having waited for this role, the new coach expressed his excitement to get started as he takes over the position.
“I am ready to take on the challenge. It is what drives me—the chance to work with the French national team,” he added.
His appointment marks a new chapter for the high-flying French team, captained by Kylian Mbappé, while also teeming with talent like Michael Olise, William Saliba, and Ousmane Dembélé, among other high-profile stars.
Fittingly, upbeat supporters were present to witness the occasion. The new gaffer went on to greet the fans who had gathered in large numbers outside the federation’s headquarters.
Immediate Task
His first competitive match in charge is scheduled for September 25, 2026 away in Turkey in the UEFA Nations League, before turning his attention to Euro 2028.
Meanwhile, his appointment continues the trend of national teams searching for high-profile managers as the demands for success at the international level soar.