Zidane to take over as France coach on six-year deal

French football icon Zinedine Zidane is set to become the next head coach of the French national team after reportedly signing a contract that will keep him in charge until June 2030.

The development was revealed on Tuesday by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said the agreement has been finalised and that the former Real Madrid manager will be formally presented as France’s new coach in the coming days.

According to Romano, Zidane has already signed his contract and will soon return to the dugout, taking charge of the national team for the first time in his coaching career.

The 54-year-old is expected to oversee France’s campaign in the 2027 UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Zidane has been without a coaching role since departing Real Madrid in 2021 after completing his second spell at the helm of the Spanish giants.

Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest managers and players, he enjoyed remarkable success at Madrid, leading the club to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League triumphs between 2016 and 2018. He also won two La Liga titles and several other domestic and international honours during his tenure.

As a player, Zidane was instrumental in France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the final against Brazil to inspire Les Bleus to their maiden world title. He has long been tipped to succeed Didier Deschamps, having repeatedly expressed his desire to coach the national team.

Deschamps, who has been in charge of France since 2012, is expected to leave the role after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, paving the way for Zidane’s appointment.