A new era has begun for Les Bleus. Zinedine Zidane has officially taken charge of the France national team, fulfilling a dream he had carried since the beginning of his coaching career.
The French legend held his first press conference on Tuesday after his official appointment as Didier Deschamps’ successor, revealing that he rejected several offers from major European clubs over the past few years because his ultimate ambition was always to lead France.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane said that coaching the national team was “the only thing” he wanted to do. After years of waiting and preparing, the 1998 World Cup winner described this moment as a dream come true.
Speaking alongside French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, Zidane expressed his emotions about finally becoming France manager.
“Today is the continuation of my career, and a dream come true. I received offers to take charge of clubs over four or five years, but I turned them all down for the France national team. It was the only thing I wanted to do.”
“I knew that from a young age. I started in the youth ranks, and I went through all the stages until I reached the senior team. I will do my utmost so that this team continues to achieve victories. That is my only motivation.”
Zidane admitted that the occasion was difficult to describe emotionally.
“It is an immense joy. I am happy with what is happening to me. I cannot find other words. I hold back my emotions because I feel so much inside me. I am ready for the challenge.”
Reflecting on his greatest football memory, Zidane added:
“Winning in 1998 is the best thing that happened to me in my life, winning with my friends. I spent those four or five years waiting for this day. I am deeply moved. It may not show on me, but I am extremely happy.”
Zidane also paid tribute to Didier Deschamps, the coach who guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and led the national team for more than a decade.
“I praise Didier’s efforts, and this is an opportunity to say to him: well done. Something new will begin, but the goal is always the same: winning.”
“I will do my utmost for this team. I am eager to join it.”
Philippe Diallo also revealed details of his first conversation with Zidane and explained why he believed the former Real Madrid coach was the right man for the job.
“It is a source of great pride and responsibility because when these years come to an end, you need to find someone worthy of trust to continue this path.”
“When I met Zinedine in February 2025, he told me: ‘Mr President, I know how to win.’ I felt he was someone with the desire and confidence to lead the France national team to victory.”
Asked about his football philosophy, Zidane hinted that fans can expect an attacking approach inspired by his own playing career.
“You will see my style soon, and we will hold a press conference in September. I am passionate about the game. I was a number 10, and what motivates me is scoring goals.”
“I lived in Spain for 25 years, and you know what that means. I was a leader on the pitch, and today I am gaining experience that qualifies me to be a leader.”
However, Zidane refused to make unrealistic promises about how success will be achieved.
“I cannot explain how to achieve winning in a few words. I have an exceptional team that is ready.”
“I have to be realistic, meet the players, explain to them the game plan, and what we will do together. After that, as coach, I will have to continue leading this team towards winning.”
The 53-year-old insisted that his decision to remain away from club football was deliberate, as he waited for the France opportunity.
“I always looked at this team as a future coach. I did not take charge of any club for this reason.”
“The only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid was to coach the France national team. I could have taken on a three-year project, but Deschamps was there.”
“He made this decision in January 2025, and the very next day I knew I wanted to be the next coach. We met with the president and the agreement was concluded.”
Zidane also said that balancing family life with his new role would not be an issue.
“There is no confusion. It is something different from a club, but this does not scare me. This is what I wanted to do.”
“I will achieve the balance between my personal life and the France national team, and that suits me perfectly.”
Zidane revealed that he has not yet spoken with France captain Kylian Mbappé, but that conversation will happen soon.
“We have not spoken with Kylian. The most important thing for him is rest.”
“We will have the opportunity to talk about all of this with him and with all the players soon in September.”
Looking ahead to France’s upcoming fixtures, Zidane said his immediate priority is the first match against Turkey.
“The matter is not limited to Spain only. They are a strong team. My priority is the first match, which is against Turkey.”
“We have four matches in September. I will spend nearly three weeks with the players, which is wonderful for preparation.”
The October clash with Italy will also carry special meaning for Zidane, who spent part of his playing career in Serie A.
“Italy is special because I played there, and I know the people there. I speak Italian. I have been preparing for these four matches for a while now.”
Zidane also made it clear that he wants to build his own identity rather than simply follow the path of his predecessor.
“The France national team’s performance has been wonderful. There is nothing for the fans to complain about.”
“We will change our style. Deschamps is Deschamps, and Zidane is Zidane. I will do what I do well.”
“I will ensure continuity of performance so that the France national team continues to achieve victories.”
The new France coach confirmed that most of his technical staff from Real Madrid will join him in his new role.
“My close-knit and technical staff already exists, and it is practically the same team that was with me throughout these years at Real Madrid, with only two or three members added.”
“I am loyal in this respect, and we will continue the journey with these few people.”
Despite spending five years away from coaching, Zidane insisted that he never stopped learning and preparing.
“I was not wasting my time. I watched a lot of matches, even more than I used to watch when I was Real Madrid coach.”
“I watched a lot of France national team matches as a whole, and I watched a lot of things.”
After years of waiting, Zidane’s moment has finally arrived. The man who lifted the World Cup as a player now returns to lead France from the touchline, with one clear objective: keeping Les Bleus at the top of world football.
