Zidane set to take charge of France after Deschamps' era ends

A legendary bond: Zidane and Mbappé exchange greetings as France looks toward the future.

PARIS, July 21: Zinedine Zidane is reportedly set to become the new head coach of the France national team, with renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano claiming that the appointment has been finalised.

Romano stated on his Instagram account that Zidane has signed a contract to lead Les Bleus until mid-2030, although the French Football Federation has not yet made an official announcement.

The move comes after Didier Deschamps ended his 14-year spell in charge of France. Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, reached the final of the 2022 World Cup, and finished fourth at this year’s tournament.

French newspaper L’Équipe had also reported that Zidane was the expected successor to Deschamps, with the former France captain widely regarded as the leading candidate for the role.

Zidane brings extensive coaching experience from his two spells at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns between 2016 and 2021.

A legendary figure for both club and country, Zidane won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with France, while also lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid as a player in 2002.

His final appearance as a professional footballer came in the 2006 World Cup final defeat to Italy, when he was sent off after an incident involving Italy defender Marco Materazzi.