Zidane: I waited five years to coach the French national team to realize my dream

France’s favorite son, Zinedine Zidane, begins a new chapter in his love affair with the national team, following his appointment yesterday as the new head coach of “Les Bleus.” The engineer behind France’s first-ever World Cup triumph takes over the role from Didier Deschamps, who captained the national team in 1998 before leading them to their second world title as coach two decades later.

Speaking at the announcement of his appointment as France’s new national team coach in Paris, Zidane said: “Coaching the French national team is the only thing I ever wanted to do. I received offers over the past four or five years to manage clubs, but I turned them all down for the sake of the French national team. This is the only position I desired. I will give everything I have to ensure the French national team continues to achieve victories.”

The new coach made sure to pay tribute to his predecessor, Didier Deschamps, and his technical staff, praising their contributions over 14 years. He said: “I congratulate Deschamps and his entire staff on the wonderful work they have done. They wrote a remarkable chapter in the history of the national team, and now a new chapter begins, but the goal will always remain the same: to win.”

Regarding France’s performance in the last World Cup, Zidane affirmed that the team delivered an outstanding tournament, but emphasized that his coaching style would differ. He stated: “What the team delivered was fantastic, but every coach has their own personality. Deschamps is Deschamps, and Zidane is Zidane.”

Zidane revealed that he has not yet spoken with national team captain Kylian Mbappé, noting that the priority now is for the player to get adequate rest. Meetings with all players will be held during the September training camp to explain the new tactical project. He added: “I have an exceptional group of players. I cannot summarize our playing style in a few words. I will meet with the players and explain my ideas, and then my role as coach will be to continue leading this team toward victories.”

For his part, French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo said: “Zinedine Zidane will be the coach of the French national team for the next four years.” He added: “In February 2025, I met with Zinedine Zidane and contacted him to offer him the role of leading the French national team.”

Zidane will take charge of his first official match with the French national team during the upcoming international break, when “Les Bleus” face Turkey on September 25, followed by Belgium on September 28, before playing Italy on October 2, and then Belgium again on October 5, in the UEFA Nations League.

Born in 1972 to Algerian parents near the port of Marseille, few could have imagined that the young boy, known among friends as “Yazid,” who spent his days kicking a ball around the La Castellan housing estate, would one day grow up to become the face of football in the country.

Soon, Yazid became better known by his first name, Zinedine. After progressing through the ranks of Cannes before moving to Bordeaux, his extraordinary ball control, visionary play, and determination caught the attention of France’s then-coach, Aimé Jacquet.