"The only position I wanted," says Zidane, the new coach of France.

 Following Didier Deschamps's departure, Zinedine Zidane was named France's coach on Tuesday, as was widely anticipated, according to the French Football Federation.

The 54-year-old Zidane had long been considered the front-runner for the position and had been waiting for a chance to head the national team for a number of years.

Deschamps, whose term started in 2012 and concluded earlier this month after France placed fourth in the World Cup, will be replaced by him.

Deschamps led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and the final four years later.

"Being able to coach this French squad is an incredible thrill for me. Zidane, who takes over on a four-year contract that lasts until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, stated, "I do not have any other words."

"I am holding myself back because I am feeling a lot of emotions." What motivates me now is that I am prepared for the challenge.

Deschamps' teammate in the 1998 World Cup victory, former Real Madrid player Zidane, has been preparing for the position since departing Real Madrid in 2021.

At his unveiling in Paris, where he signed autographs and took pictures with supporters queuing outside the FFF headquarters following his hiring, Zidane declared, "The France job was the only one I wanted."

"Over the past four or five years, I have had offers to lead a club, but I declined them all in favor of the French national team."

The former French playmaker, who won the 2000 European Championship as a player and scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final victory over Brazil, has only coached Real Madrid.

"A totally different work"

He guided the Spanish powerhouses to three straight Champions League victories in 2016, 2017, and 2018—an unprecedented accomplishment in the competition's contemporary existence.

"I think it is a completely different job, without a certain," Zidane remarked. "I have firsthand experience with the club aspect of it. Even though this is new to me, I am not afraid of it.

Zidane will follow in the footsteps of Deschamps and former international teammate Laurent Blanc, who served as the national team's coach from 2010 to 2012.

"I will do all in my power to ensure that this team continues to win." The only thing that motivates me is the opportunity to work for this France squad and ensure that it continues to win.

"DD" (Deschamps) is "DD," "Zizou" is Zizou, and Blanc was Blanc.

"I shall do things the way I know how to accomplish them."

According to FFF president Philippe Diallo, Zidane and Deschamps first met in February 2025, soon after Deschamps said he would resign from his position following the 2026 World Cup.

Diallo remarked, "There was one thing that hit me, that perhaps finally made the difference." "President, I know how to win," he told me during our talks.

"I saw someone with the drive and confidence necessary to lead France when he stated it. For our national team to continue to succeed in the years to come, it is what is required.

On September 25, France will travel to Turkey for their first UEFA Nations League match under Zidane's leadership. On October 2, he will play his first home game against Italy at the Stade de France.