Zinedine Zidane, the former France captain and Real Madrid manager, has taken charge of the France national team, with the French Football Federation confirming his appointment on Tuesday following Didier Deschamps’ departure.

The 54-year-old begins a highly anticipated chapter in his career after spending several years as the leading candidate for the position.

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Zidane signed a four-year contract that will run until the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

The appointment marks a return to the national setup for Zidane, who was part of France’s golden generation that won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

Speaking at his unveiling in Paris, Zidane admitted that coaching France had always been his priority, despite receiving offers from clubs during his time away from management.

“The France job was the only one I wanted,” Zidane said. “I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team.”

The decision comes after Deschamps ended his 12-year tenure as France coach earlier this month. Deschamps guided the country to the 2018 World Cup title and reached another final four years later before France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup.

For Zidane, the new role represents a significant challenge after a successful club career but limited managerial experience outside Real Madrid.

During his time at the Spanish giants, Zidane achieved historic success by winning three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, becoming the first manager in the modern era of the competition to achieve the feat.

However, Zidane acknowledged that international management requires a different approach from club football.

“I think it’s a completely different job, that’s for sure. I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me,” he said.

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo revealed that conversations with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps announced his intention to leave the role after the World Cup.

Diallo said Zidane’s confidence and winning mentality stood out during their discussions.

“President, I know how to win,” Diallo quoted Zidane as saying, describing the statement as a reflection of the belief needed to lead France into the future.

Zidane said his immediate ambition is to maintain France’s status among international football’s elite and continue building on the success achieved under previous managers.

“I’m going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning,” he said.

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His first competitive match as France coach will come against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, while his first home fixture will be against Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.