Zinedine Zidane is set to become France's new national coach, ending Didier Deschamps' long era. The change follows France's World Cup semifinal exit. Zidane's first challenge will be rebuilding for Euro 2028.
France's national football team is entering a decisive transition as Zinedine Zidane prepares to take over as head coach, marking the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year leadership. The decision comes in the wake of France's 0-2 defeat to Spain in the World Cup semifinals, a result that has accelerated calls for renewal at the top of French football. According to Le Parisien, the appointment of Zidane signals the start of a 'new era' for 'Les Bleus', with the official announcement expected soon.
Deschamps' tenure brought significant achievements, including the 2018 World Cup title and the 2021 Nations League victory, but also saw France fall short in two major finals: Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite these successes, the recent loss to Spain has highlighted the need for change. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, had previously identified Zidane as the natural successor, and preparations for the transition are already underway.
Former international Robert Pires has described the defeat as painful but believes the future is promising under Zidane. He emphasized that Zidane understands what must be done to avoid repeating past mistakes, while also acknowledging Deschamps' positive legacy. Alain Boghossian, who played alongside both Zidane and Deschamps in 1998, expects Zidane to build on the foundation laid over the past decade and a half, but also sees the need for the team to raise its level in the face of adversity.
Zidane himself has outlined his vision for the team, stressing the importance of a clear and solid playing base. He pointed to Spain's cohesion and communication as key factors in their victory, contrasting it with France's reliance on individual talent. Zidane noted that when those individual talents are missing, the team can struggle to maintain its structure and performance.
The incoming coach has already assembled his technical staff, including trusted collaborators David Bettoni and Hamidou Msaidie, and is holding meetings to plan for the immediate future. His primary target will be to prepare France for the Euro 2028 tournament, aiming to restore the team's competitive edge on the European stage.
Since the Euro 2024 campaign and the subsequent elimination by Spain, France's style of play has evolved, drawing Zidane's interest in further transformation. He has expressed admiration for Michael Olise, whose performances at the Paris Olympics have stood out, and sees potential in pairing him with Kylian Mbappé to create a more dynamic attacking setup. Zidane's preference for a true number 10 reflects his own playing philosophy and could shape the team's tactical direction in the coming years.
The shift in leadership comes at a time when European football is witnessing several high-profile changes. For example, Novak Djokovic's recent advance to the Wimbledon semifinals after a dramatic five-set match, as covered in our sports section, highlights how established champions are being challenged by new contenders across different sports.
France's football federation is expected to confirm Zidane's appointment shortly, setting the stage for a period of adaptation and renewed ambition. The focus will be on blending the positive elements of Deschamps' era with Zidane's vision for a more cohesive and resilient team. As the squad prepares for the third-place match and looks ahead to Euro 2028, the coming months will be crucial in defining the direction of French football. Zidane's leadership is anticipated to bring both tactical adjustments and a renewed sense of purpose, as France seeks to reclaim its place among Europe's elite national teams.
For context, Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern football, both as a player and as a coach. His previous managerial success with Real Madrid, where he won multiple Champions League titles, has set high expectations for his tenure with the national team. The French Football Federation's decision to entrust him with this role reflects confidence in his ability to guide a new generation of talent. The transition also underscores the broader trend of football federations turning to former star players for leadership, aiming to combine experience, tactical insight, and national identity in pursuit of future success.
