Zinédine Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps as France coach

As expected, Zinédine Zidane has been appointed coach of the French men' national team in succession of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) has said.

>FFF president Philippe Diallo named Zidane "a legend of French football" in a news conference and said that Zidane has signed a contract until 2030.

>Zidane, 54, won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player of a team captained by Deschamps. His only coaching experience are two terms at Real Madrid 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 during which he won three Champions Leagues and two LaLigas.

>“I’ve said it many times: there’s nothing bigger than the French national team. So it’s a pleasure and, of course, a great honour to become coach of this French national team. But it’s also a responsibility,” Zidane said in a federation statement.

>The three-time World Player of the Year had long been considered the top contender to take over from Deschamps who stepped down after 14 years in charge after the recent World Cup.

>Deschamps won the World Cup as a coach as well in 2018, led Les Bleus into the 2022 final and they finished fourth at the latest edition which ended on July 19.

>Zidane's first matches in charge will be four Nations League matches against Turkey, Italy and Belgium (twice) between September 25 and October 5.