Five years of waiting, all for this moment: Zidane takes the helm of France, Les Bleus enter the "Zizou era"

On July 28, 2026, Beijing time, French football experienced a historic milestone. The French Football Federation formally declared that Zinedine Zidane, the 54-year-old iconic former player, would take over as head coach of the French national men's football team, replacing the long-serving and successful coach Didier Deschamps, who had been in charge for 14 years. Zidane and Deschamps were also teammates. This marks not only the end of a five-year wait but also a significant generational handover in French football.

According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Zidane has signed a four-year contract with the French Football Federation, lasting until June 2030. This means Zidane will lead Les Bleus through three major tournaments: the 2027 UEFA Nations League, the 2028 European Championship, and the 2030 World Cup. Since leaving Real Madrid in the summer of 2021, Zidane has been out of work for five years. During this period, despite receiving lucrative offers from top clubs, he remained unmoved, waiting only for the call from his national team. Now, he has finally fulfilled his wish, completing the most important piece of his career puzzle.

Zidane's resume speaks for itself. As a player, he was the core of the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship-winning teams, an eternal symbol of French football. As a coach, he managed Real Madrid twice, leading the Galacticos to an unprecedented three-peat in the Champions League, along with two La Liga titles and two FIFA Club World Cups. His coaching win rate exceeds 65%, making him one of the most successful managers in Real Madrid's history. Now, he will begin a new chapter as the 18th head coach of the French national team.

At the press conference, Zidane could hardly contain his excitement: "There is nothing greater than the French national team. Becoming the coach of this team fills me with joy and immense pride, and it also carries a heavy responsibility." He specifically paid tribute to Deschamps and his staff for their hard work over the past 14 years, expressing his ambition for the future of the French team. French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo also praised the appointment: "Zidane's extraordinary career embodies talent, diligence, humility, and excellence—values that the French team upholds."

Zidane's appointment will undoubtedly bring potential tactical changes to the French team. The Deschamps era was known for pragmatism, discipline, and counter-attacking, while Zidane leans more towards possession and attacking aesthetics. He successfully activated stars like Modrić, Kroos, and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. Now, he has at his disposal world-class talents such as Mbappé, Tchouaméni, and Saliba. How to blend Real Madrid-style intricate passing and control with France's counter-attacking prowess within the limited time of national team training will be Zidane's primary challenge.

Moreover, Zidane's immense prestige as a legendary player will be his strongest weapon in managing this "star-studded locker room." For young players like Mbappé, Zidane is not just a coach but an idol they have looked up to since childhood. This natural authority will help him build absolute cohesion within the team.

According to the schedule, Zidane's coaching debut is expected to take place in the UEFA Nations League match on September 26, when France will face Turkey away. On October 2, he will have his first home game at the Stade de France against Italy—an opponent that carries a sense of destiny for him.

Five years of waiting, finally a return. From the glory of the Bernabéu to the expectations of France, Zidane has come back to the stage he knows best and desires most. The new era of Les Bleus has begun, with Zidane bringing championship pedigree and a touch of magic to the French team.

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