France expected to announce Zinedine Zidane as its new coach early next week
The French Football Federation said on Thursday that its president, Philippe Diallo, would name the coach at a news conference at headquarters in Paris.
Zidane, 54, has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The great midfielder led Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016-18.
Read more: Who is Luca Zidane? The son of French great Zinedine Zidane attracts attention with the Algeria jersey at the World Cup
Deschamps was in charge of France for 14 years and resigned after the World Cup, in which Les Bleus lost to Spain in the semi-finals.
France won the World Cup under Deschamps in 2018 and lost the final on penalties in 2022. Les Bleus also lost their home European Championship final in 2016.
Zinedine was France’s playmaker when they won the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice in the 3-0 win against Brazil in the final, and also played a part when France won the European Championship two years later. He won the men’s Ballon d’Or in 1998.Read more: When Zinedine Zidane visits India
Zidane played 108 matches for France and scored 31 goals; This includes a masterful Panenka-style penalty in the 2006 World Cup final, which Les Bleus lost after Italian defender Marco Materazzi was sent off in extra time for heading the chest.
France’s next match will be against Türkiye in the Nations League on September 25, and will be played in Belgium three days later. France will next face Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.
