Zinédine Zidane Set to Become France's National Team Head Coach on Four-Year Deal

Zinédine Zidane is poised to officially take over as head coach of the French national football team, with an announcement scheduled for next Tuesday at the headquarters of the French Football Federation (FFF). Zidane will sign a four-year contract, tying him to the role until the 2030 World Cup, marking a long-term stability plan after Didier Deschamps' decade-long tenure.

According to sources, Zidane's salary is expected to exceed 450,000 euros per month, reflecting the high expectations placed on the former Real Madrid manager. His first competitive matches as coach will come in late September, with fixtures against Turkey on September 25, Belgium on September 28, Italy on October 2, and a subsequent match against Belgium on October 5.

The decision aligns with the FFF’s objective to maintain stability following a successful but long period under Deschamps. Zidane, who has been awaiting this opportunity for years, reportedly viewed a two-year contract up to Euro 2028 as insufficient, making the longer term deal a logical step.

Amid this buildup, Jean-Michel Aulas, a member of the FFF’s executive committee, voiced support for Zidane but expressed frustration over leaks from within the federation. Aulas called for greater confidentiality during such major appointments, suggesting that handling the matter more discreetly would help preserve trust among committee members. Despite concerns over these information breaches, Philippe Diallo and the FFF have managed the process with seriousness.

Zidane will officially begin his duties at 11 AM on Tuesday, but his on-field role will wait until the important international fixtures in September. The appointment marks a significant new chapter for Les Bleus as they prepare for the next competitions under a managerial legend.