Zidane lands dream job as France hand him reins through 2030 World Cup

He made 108 appearances for the national side, scoring 31 goals and contributing 29 assists.

“You’ll see my style soon,” Zidane said. “I’m driven by the game. I was a number 10, and what drives me is scoring goals.

“I lived in Spain for 25 years, you know what that means. On the pitch, I was a leader. Now I’m becoming a leader through my experience. 

“Winning in ’98 is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, winning with my teammates. I spent those four or five years waiting for that day. I’m emotional; you can’t see it, but I’m so excited. I’m happy.”

PLAYMAKER TO MANAGER

At club level, Zidane made 212 appearances for Italian side Juventus before joining Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2001.

He went on to play 227 matches for Real across five seasons, scoring 49 goals and providing 67 assists, while winning the Champions League in his first season with the club.

Following his retirement, Zidane returned to Real Madrid as assistant coach in 2013 before taking over as head coach in 2016.

He enjoyed unprecedented success during his first spell in charge, leading the club to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, a feat that remains unmatched. Zidane returned for a second stint as Real Madrid manager in 2019 and added another La Liga title to the club’s trophy cabinet before leaving again in 2021.

He follows Laurent Blanc and Deschamps as the third member of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad to become national team coach, with the task of leading Les Bleus into the 2030 World Cup.

“Les Bleus’ campaign was magnificent, the football was magnificent. I had a great time, and so did everyone else,” Zidane added.

“The fans have no cause for complaint. We’re going to do things differently. Deschamps is Deschamps, Blanc was Blanc, Zizou is Zizou. I’m going to do what I know how to do. I’m going to ensure continuity so that the French team keeps winning.”