France are set for a new era on the touchline in September, with Zinedine Zidane confirmed as the country's next national team manager — the first change in that role in 14 years.

Though the announcement came on Tuesday morning, his appointment had long been an open secret. Talks between Zidane and French football authorities began as early as February 2025, shortly after his former team-mate Didier Deschamps revealed he would step down following the FIFA World Cup 2026.

At a news conference in Paris, Zidane made clear he had turned down multiple opportunities to return to management over recent years, choosing to wait specifically for this role. "I had several offers in the last four or five years, but I turned them all down," he said. "The national team is the only thing I wanted."

A new chapter, with some continuity

Despite his evident enthusiasm, Zidane offered little in the way of tactical specifics, saying he needed to meet the players first before outlining his approach. He did, however, signal his intention "to do things differently" while also promising a degree of continuity from Deschamps' work, which he praised warmly.

"I'm going to try do what I know how to, but it won't be a complete break either," he said.

When pressed on his preferred style, Zidane referenced his own playing career — he was a number 10 — and stated that scoring goals is what motivates him. France netted 20 times during their North American campaign, giving Zidane a strong platform to build on. Deschamps, by most accounts, has left Les Bleus in far better shape than he inherited them, with the scars of the 2010 World Cup still fresh when he first took over.

Star power in the dugout

The appointment of Zidane — a former Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most celebrated figures in French football history — has been met with near-universal enthusiasm. He was greeted by supporters carrying flares and banners as he left the French Football Federation's headquarters on Tuesday, and Kylian Mbappe welcomed him with a message on Instagram: "Welcome home."

Former France and Bordeaux team-mate Bixente Lizarazu summed up the mood succinctly. "It's a great day for French football," he told France Info. "He is more than fit to manage Les Bleus, given what he did at Real Madrid with great players and big egos."

That ability to command respect in a dressing room full of elite talent is seen as one of Zidane's defining qualities. With Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise all available to him, he has the attacking firepower to make France a formidable force.

Questions and expectations

Not everything is without uncertainty. Zidane, 54, has spent five years out of management, and Real Madrid remains the only senior club he has ever coached. He acknowledged the challenge openly: "It's new to me, but I'm not scared. This is what I wanted."

His four-year deal begins next month, with his full coaching staff to be confirmed in the weeks ahead. France's first Nations League fixtures will serve as an early test, beginning with a trip to Turkey before matches against Belgium and a home tie against Italy at the Stade de France — the latter offering a marquee occasion to launch his reign in front of his own supporters.

On the question of Mbappe's captaincy, Zidane opted to keep his counsel for now: "The most important thing for him now is to rest, we'll have the chance to speak in September."