Zinedine Zidane has reportedly signed a contract to become the next head coach of the French national team.
Football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that the agreement would keep Zidane in charge of Les Bleus until June 2030. He added that the former Real Madrid manager would be formally presented in the coming days.
However, the French Football Federation had not officially confirmed the appointment at the time of reporting. French media previously reported that the federation planned to announce Didier Deschamps’ successor before the end of July.
Zidane is expected to lead France through the next UEFA Nations League campaign, the 2028 European Championship and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The 54-year-old would replace Deschamps, whose 14-year spell as France coach ended after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps led France to the 2018 World Cup title, the UEFA Nations League trophy and the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
Zidane returns to management
The France role would mark Zidane’s return to coaching five years after he ended his second spell at Real Madrid in 2021. He managed the Spanish club from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2021.
During his first spell, Zidane became the first coach to win the European Cup or Champions League in three consecutive seasons. He guided Real Madrid to the title in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
He also won two La Liga titles and several domestic and international trophies during his two periods in charge.
A return to the French national team
Zidane is one of the most celebrated players in French football history.
He scored twice in France’s 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, helping the country win the competition for the first time.
He has repeatedly been linked with the national team job and previously made clear that managing France remained one of his ambitions.
His reported appointment would begin a new era for Les Bleus after Deschamps’ long and successful tenure.
