The French Football Federation has finalized its decision to appoint Zinedine Zidane as the head coach of the French national team, according to reports from L’Équipe, Foot Mercato, and RMC Sport. Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps, who will step down following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
End of the Deschamps Era
Didier Deschamps, 57, will manage his final match for “Les Bleus” this Saturday in Miami against England, a fixture to determine third place in the 2026 World Cup. His departure marks the end of a 14-year tenure that began in 2012. Deschamps’ record during this period includes winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia, reaching the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and appearing in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, where France was eliminated by Spain in a 0-2 loss. According to Marca, Deschamps is one of only three individuals in football history to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach, joining Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer. He also holds the record for the most World Cup victories by a coach, with 20 wins.
The Terms of Zidane’s Appointment
The transition to Zidane is considered a matter of time, with reports confirming that both parties have reached a final agreement regarding contract details. The French Football Federation is reportedly working to secure a special exemption from the French Ministry of Sport to facilitate a salary increase for the incoming coach. While the current annual salary cap for the national team manager is set at 450,000 euros, the agreed-upon terms for Zidane include a monthly base salary of 300,000 euros, with incentives and bonuses that could raise his total monthly income to 450,000 euros.
A New Strategic Direction
Zidane, who has been absent from coaching since departing Real Madrid in 2021, is planning a comprehensive overhaul of the team’s structure. Sources indicate he intends to move away from the established practices of the last 14 years by implementing a new, large-scale technical staff that could include up to 25 members, including assistants, performance analysts, and fitness experts. A core component of Zidane’s vision is a greater emphasis on performance analysis and statistical data. Additionally, he has expressed interest in increasing the presence of women within his technical staff, particularly in specialized roles. While names such as 1998 World Cup winner Fabian Barthez have been mentioned as potential staff members, no official appointments have been confirmed.
The Challenge Ahead
The incoming manager will inherit a squad rich in talent, led by captain Kylian Mbappé. The primary challenge for the new staff will be to translate the individual potential of the current roster into a team capable of reclaiming major titles. Beyond Zidane, other candidates previously considered for the position included Thierry Henry, noted for his work with France’s youth categories, and Hervé Renard, recognized for his international experience across different continents. However, reports identify Zidane as the primary choice who has been viewed for years as the natural successor to Deschamps. The new manager will be tasked with balancing the integration of the rising generation of players with the experienced stars already present in the squad, as the federation looks ahead to preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
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