The end of an era and the beginning of another

The French Football Federation confirmed what was an open secret, Zinedine Zidane is the new head coach of the French national team. The announcement comes after Didier Deschamps' departure, who decided to end a 14-year cycle at the helm of Les Bleus. His tenure concluded at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where France reached the semifinals but fell to Spain, and then lost 6-4 to England in the third-place match. Deschamps leaves an imposing legacy, having been world champion in 2018, finalist in 2022 and in Euro 2016, in addition to multiple qualifications to decisive stages.

Zidane, a long-awaited return

Zidane signed a four-year contract, which will take him to the 2030 World Cup. His contract will begin on August 1 and will mark his return to the sidelines after five years of absence. The former Real Madrid coach left a mark in Europe with three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, as well as two La Liga titles and multiple international trophies. As a player, his history with France is legendary, being a world champion in 1998, a Euro 2000 champion, and the protagonist of iconic moments like the Panenka penalty in the 2006 final. With 108 matches and 31 goals for the national team, Zidane represents the hope of a new cycle and the memory of glory.

What's next for Les Bleus

The immediate challenge will be the Nations League, where France will face Turkey on September 25, followed by matches against Belgium and Italy. Zidane will need to quickly stamp his mark on a team that is already considered one of the most powerful on the planet. The question is whether he will maintain the tactical line inherited from Deschamps or if he will opt for his own, more offensive and risky model. The truth is that his arrival generates worldwide expectations; France is starting a new era with an idol turned strategist, ready to guide the team toward the glory of 2030.

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