[Official] Zinedine Zidane appointed as head coach of the French national team... 4-year contract confirmed

*This content was translated by AI.

A legendary midfielder has taken command of the national team. The appointment of Zinedine Zidane, 54, as head coach of the French national team has been confirmed.

The French Football Federation officially announced Zidane's appointment as head coach of the French national team at its Paris headquarters on the 28th (Korean time). According to Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, Zidane's contract spans four years.

At 54 this year, Zidane is a legend who led France to victory in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. As a coach, he also guided Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles.

This marks an emotional return. After stepping down from his role as head coach of Real Madrid in May 2021, Zidane spent five years away from the spotlight before taking over as Didier Deschamps' successor for the French national team.

In a press conference, President Diallo stated, "Zidane is one of the legends of French football. He has long said that leading the French national team for several years was one of his dreams." He added, "After Coach Deschamps announced he would step down following the 2026 World Cup, I met with Zidane in February 2025 to discuss the head coach position."

Newly appointed head coach Zidane also expressed deep emotions about taking charge of the French national team. He said, "This appointment was a dream for me. During the five years I was away from the field, I received coaching offers from various clubs, but I turned them all down to focus on the French national team. The only thing I wanted was to lead the French national team."

Continuing, Coach Zidane said, "I am experiencing many conflicting emotions. I am ready for this new challenge; it is what drives me." He added, "Finally, I have the opportunity to lead France. I will give everything to ensure the team wins."

Additionally, Coach Zidane added, "I would also like to congratulate Coach Deschamps, who led France during its golden era."

Coach Zidane even remarked, "What drives me is the game itself. During my playing days, I was a playmaker 10 times and loved scoring goals. As a leader on the field, I now want to become a leader guided by experience."

Deschamps, Zidane's former teammate and predecessor as head coach, led the French national team for 14 years after taking charge in 2012 and stepped down at the end of this summer's North America World Cup. Under Deschamps' leadership, France entered its golden generation, winning the 2018 Russia World Cup and finishing as runners-up in the 2022 Qatar World Cup and Euro 2016. Although considered a strong contender for the upcoming North America World Cup, France was eliminated after losing 0-2 to Spain in the quarterfinals and then falling 4-6 to England in the third-place playoff match.

Coach Zidane will lead the French national team starting with the UEFA Nations League matches this fall and continuing through the Euro 2028 qualifiers beginning next year. In the Nations League group stage, France is drawn in a group with Turkey, Belgium, and Italy. The first match under Coach Zidane's leadership will take place on September 25 against Turkey.

Considered one of the greatest players in football history, Zidane won the Ballon d'Or once and the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times during his playing career. In the France World Cup final, he scored two headers against Brazil, securing a 3-0 victory and bringing the championship trophy back to his homeland. He also played a key role in France's Euro 2000 triumph.

At the 2006 Germany World Cup, Zidane won the Golden Ball (best player) and led France to the final, but famously received a red card for headbutting Italy's Marco Materazzi during extra time in the final match.

After retiring as a player in 2006, Zidane transitioned into coaching, leading Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 and achieving the unprecedented feat of three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. He also secured two La Liga championships, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier manager.

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*This content was translated by AI.