New era for France as Zinédine Zidane takes charge of national team

Zinédine Zidane has been officially appointed as the new manager of the French men's national team. He has signed a four-year contract, with Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup as his objectives.

Highly anticipated, the former French number 10 was appointed head coach of Les Bleus on Tuesday. He succeeds Didier Deschamps, who spent 14 years managing the national team.

Zidane coached Real Madrid until leaving in 2021. He replaces Didier Deschamps at the helm of France team he led to glory as arguably its greatest ever player.

After the announcement, Zidane greeted a large gathering of fans outside the federation headquarters and they cheered loudly when he arrived.

Moments after being announced as France’s new coach on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane clenched his fists and his usually measured voice trembled a little.

The French Football Federation announced on Tuesday that the former playmaker would become the head coach of France's national football team. The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner had made no secret of his 'desire' to take on the role.