Zidane on the brink of taking charge of France
France have their new manager. After weeks of speculation, Zinedine Zidane is set to succeed Didier Deschamps at the helm of the national team. Talks between the Marseille native and the FFF are nearing completion, with an official announcement expected within days, multiple sources confirm.
Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has publicly backed the transition, telling RTL yesterday that it was a chance « not to be missed ». In Marseille, where Zidane has settled in, negotiations now focus on final contract details and the identities of his staff. The Deschamps-era team is out: loyalists like David Bettoni are expected to join, while Fabien Barthez could take charge of the goalkeepers.
The first match under his leadership is already locked in. France will face Türkiye in Kocaeli on 25 September 2026, a fixture that will officially kick off the Zidane era. Until then, the new boss remains low-key, but cameras have caught his presence at several World Cup matches.
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Why does this appointment make sense?
The news of Zidane as France’s next manager no longer comes as a shock. The Marseille legend’s name has circulated for months, and his profile - a World Cup-winning player and coach with deep knowledge of French football - resonates with both pundits and federation officials.
Marina Ferrari isn’t alone in her optimism. Fans, too, see Zidane as the man to restore swagger to a side rebuilding after a quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup. Their most recent outing? A 0-2 loss to Spain on 14 July 2026, a result that underlined the need for fresh impetus.
His appointment also fits a generational shift. The former Ballon d’Or knows exactly what top-level football demands and understands the French game inside out. His arrival could mark a turning point - provided the FFF grants him real tactical freedom and long-term stability.
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What challenges lie ahead for the new gaffer?
Zidane inherits a side in flux. With a run of five games without defeat (four wins) before the Spain loss, Les Bleus showed encouraging form, but gaps remain.
His first hurdle will be managing egos. Stars like Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann and William Saliba must adapt to a system that could prioritize vertical, fast attacks. Zidane, a master of creativity himself, may push for more fluidity up front.
Another test: integrating young talent. Players like Eduardo Camavinga and Ousmane Dembélé are eager to stake their claim. He’ll also need to work around absences, including that of injured defender Presnel Kimpembe.
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Schedule and next moves
The official announcement of Zidane as France manager is imminent. A press conference is even scheduled for next week, signaling the start of a new chapter.
In the meantime, the national team remains in training camp. Their first match under Zidane’s guidance - a trip to Türkiye on 25 September 2026 - will be a real-world exam. After the Spain loss, France must show they can bounce back fast.
For supporters, the wait is almost over. After years of doubt and second-guessing, Les Bleus could finally turn the page with a man capable of restoring their confidence. Is Zidane the missing piece of the puzzle?
