Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France senior men's national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday via a post on X.

The announcement comes two weeks after Deschamps departed following France's fourth-place finish at the World Cup. His final game in charge ended in a 6-4 defeat to England.

Zidane's first tests

Zidane, 54, is set to open his tenure with an away UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkiye, before France host Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.

Deschamps' remarkable legacy

Deschamps spent 14 years as France manager, overseeing 185 matches and recording 120 victories. His tenure included the 2018 World Cup title, the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League trophy, and appearances in both the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals.

The transition carries a historic dimension — Zidane and Deschamps were teammates in the France side that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, two of the nation's most celebrated triumphs.

A trophy-laden coaching record

Zidane arrives with a formidable résumé from his time at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018 — a feat unmatched in the modern era of the competition.

His appointment will also resonate beyond France's borders. Zidane previously voiced his disappointment at Algeria's elimination from AFCON 2025 at the hands of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, underlining the deep ties he maintains with the country of his heritage.