Zinédine Zidane is expected to be presented as the new manager of the French national team on Tuesday by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo, according to reports emerging from France. The announcement follows a period of speculation regarding the successor to Didier Deschamps, who recently ended his twelve-year tenure with Les Bleus.
Jean-Michel Aulas, the vice-president of the FFF, has publicly expressed his frustration over leaks from within the federation’s executive committee regarding the appointment process. Aulas questioned how confidential discussions amongst committee members found their way into the media, stating that such breaches of confidentiality hinder the FFF’s ability to function effectively. He did, however, defend Diallo, noting a calm exchange with him and welcoming the appointment of what he described as an “exceptional personality” to lead the national team.
While the FFF has officially maintained silence on the identity of the new manager, the expectation is firmly set on Zidane. The former Real Madrid manager has been widely touted as the leading candidate since Deschamps’ departure was confirmed. Zidane’s managerial career has been marked by significant success, most notably winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018.
This appointment represents a return to the national team setup for Zidane, who previously served as an advisor to the FFF. His playing career with France saw him become a national icon, culminating in a World Cup victory in 1998 and a European Championship triumph in 2000. The task facing Zidane will be to build upon the foundations laid by Deschamps and navigate France through the upcoming European Championship qualification campaign and beyond. The appointment is expected to generate significant excitement amongst French fans and media alike, given Zidane’s stature within the game.
