Didier Deschamps left the French national team after the World Cup, which ended with France in fourth place. It had been a closely guarded secret that Zidane would take over, and now it is clear that he will.
"I have had offers in these 4-5 years since I left. I have turned them all down for the French national team, because this is the only thing I have wanted to do after my time at Real Madrid," Zidane said at a press conference, according to L'Equipe.
Back after 20 years
Zidane is one of French football's greatest and has made 108 appearances for the national team. He was part of the team that won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000. With Real Madrid, he won both the league and the Champions League.
Zidane's last match in his career - the 2006 World Cup final against Italy - ended in historic scenes. In extra time, he headbutted Marco Materazzi in the chest, was sent off and France lost on penalties. But now that he is back with the national team, he is filled with nothing but joy, says Zidane. He believes it is the biggest day of his coaching career.
"I'm happy with what's happening to me today. I'm in control, but I have a lot of emotions inside me. I'm ready for the challenge, that's what drives me," Zidane said.
Waited for five years
Zidane then coached Real Madrid for two spells, from 2016-2018 and 2019-2021. The 54-year-old led the club to three consecutive Champions League titles, two league titles, and won the Super Cup twice. Since stepping down in 2021, Zidane has not coached any team.
"I have spent the last 4-5 years waiting for this day. I am very excited and happy about this appointment," says "Zizou".
The contract runs through the 2030 World Cup.
Zinedine Zidane's first competitive international match will be against Turkey in the Nations League on September 25.
