The world of football is preparing for a major personnel change. Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest players in history, has reached a fundamental agreement to return to the profession. The 54-year-old specialist has agreed on contract terms with the French Football Federation and will soon replace Didier Deschamps as the head coach of the national team.
Information confirming the deal was confirmed by the authoritative Italian insider Nicolò Schira. According to his data, negotiations between the parties have concluded, and the legendary coach's move to the national team is only a matter of time.
Transition plan and contract terms
The official presentation of Zinedine Zidane as the coach of the "tricolours" is scheduled for the end of the next major tournament. Deschamps will pass the baton after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The current coach's last match will be the third-place play-off at this World Cup.
The new employment agreement is calculated for the long term: the contract with Zidane will be valid until the end of the 2030 World Cup. Thus, the French federation is betting on a long-term strategy with a legend who has not worked with the team since 2021.
The Didier Deschamps era: results and statistics
The departure of Didier Deschamps will mark the end of one of the most successful eras in the history of French football. Under his leadership, the French national team reached the pinnacle of world sport, becoming world champions in 2018 and winning the Nations League in 2021. The coach also has a Euro 2016 final and silver medals from the 2022 World Cup to his credit.
Deschamps' work statistics are impressive: during his tenure, the team played 186 matches. In this period, "Les Bleus" won 122 games, drew 32 times, and suffered 32 defeats. Deschamps leaves the post, remaining one of the most decorated coaches in the country's history.
Zidane's triumphant career at Real Madrid
For Zinedine Zidane, the upcoming work with the national team will be the most responsible challenge in his coaching career. Previously, he has not worked since 2021, when he left Real Madrid. His tenure at the Spanish club can be called triumphant: during two periods of work (2016–2018 and 2019–2021), he won 11 trophies.
Zidane's main achievement in Spain was an unprecedented feat — three consecutive victories in the Champions League (2016, 2017, 2018). This success made him one of the most sought-after coaches in the world. Now he returns to work with his native national team, following the path of other legends, such as the coaches of the Croatia and Uruguay national teams, who also took charge of their countries' national teams.
