Zinedine Zidane has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of the France national team, marking the beginning of a new era for Les Bleus. After spending five years away from coaching, the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner returns to the dugout with one clear objective: leading France back to the top of world football. Zidane has signed a contract that will keep him in charge until 2030.
Speaking at his first press conference on Tuesday, the former Real Madrid manager discussed his emotions, his football philosophy, his plans for Kylian Mbappé, and how his successful spell in Madrid will shape his work with the French national team.
A dream finally comes true
Zidane admitted that taking charge of France is a deeply emotional moment after waiting several years for the opportunity.
“It is an immense joy. I am very happy with what is happening to me today. I am keeping my emotions under control, but I have so many feelings inside me. I am ready for the challenge, and that is what motivates me.”
The legendary midfielder has long been considered the natural successor to Didier Deschamps, and his appointment ends years of speculation.
Why he stayed away from coaching
During his time away from football, Zidane received several offers from top European clubs. However, he revealed that none of them could persuade him to return because he had only one objective in mind.
“I received offers during these four or five years after I stopped coaching to take over a club. I turned them all down for the France national team because it was the only thing I wanted after my experience at Real Madrid.”
His comments confirm that coaching Les Bleus had always been his ultimate ambition following one of the most successful managerial spells in Real Madrid’s history.
His football philosophy
Although Zidane refused to reveal every tactical detail, he hinted that fans should expect an attacking and entertaining style of football inspired by both his playing career and his years in Spain.
“You will see the style very soon. I will explain it during my next press conference. I am driven by the game. I was a number 10, and what inspires me is scoring goals and playing good football. I spent 25 years in Spain—you know what that means.”
The statement suggests that Zidane intends to build a team focused on possession, creativity and offensive football, much like the sides he coached at Real Madrid.
His first words about Kylian Mbappé
Naturally, one of the first questions concerned France captain Kylian Mbappé. Zidane confirmed that he has not yet spoken with the Real Madrid superstar, insisting that the forward deserves a proper rest after a demanding campaign.
“We haven’t spoken with Kylian yet. The most important thing for him is to rest after such a long season. We will have the opportunity to talk with him and the other players in September.”
Supporters will eagerly await the partnership between one of France’s greatest-ever players and the country’s current superstar.
A continuation of his Real Madrid project
When asked what kind of France team supporters should expect, Zidane made it clear that his ideas will closely resemble those that brought him enormous success in Madrid.
“It will resemble what I did at Real Madrid. The France national team is the next step for me. On the pitch, I was a leader. Today, I want to become a leader through my experience and through what I believe I am as a coach. You will see that gradually.”
Having won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, Zidane hopes to transfer the same winning mentality to the French national team.
𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗭𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗘, 𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗨 𝗦𝗘́𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗟’𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗣𝗘 𝗗𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 🐓🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/5ocGyYETNm
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 28, 2026
A familiar coaching staff
The French coach also confirmed that continuity will be an important part of his project, revealing that most of his trusted collaborators from Real Madrid will join him with Les Bleus.
“My close coaching staff is already in place. It is practically the same one I had at Real Madrid, with perhaps two or three additions. I am a loyal person, and the people around me have been loyal as well.”
With an experienced staff, a clear football identity and one of the world’s most talented squads at his disposal, Zidane begins one of the biggest challenges of his managerial career. Expectations will be enormous, but the former Real Madrid coach has made it clear that he is fully prepared to lead France into a new chapter.
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