Zinedine Zidane has officially taken over as head coach of the French national team, with a contract that runs until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Wednesday the official appointment of 54-year-old Zinedine Zidane as the national team coach. He will take over the reins from Didier Deschamps and lead the team until the end of the 2030 World Cup.

Zinedine Zidane has been unemployed since stepping down as Real Madrid manager in 2021. His return to the helm of Les Bleus marks his return to coaching after a five-year hiatus.

Regarding Zinedine Zidane's arrival, French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo commented: "It is a great honor for the French Football Federation to appoint Zinedine Zidane as the head coach of the French national team. This appointment marks the official partnership between a legendary figure in French football history, one of the most successful and respected coaches of his generation, and a national team with outstanding talent and aspirations for the highest honors."

"Zinedin Zidane's outstanding career is built on talent, hard work, humility, and a pursuit of excellence. His values are aligned with those of the French national team, and are also the principles we hope to uphold and promote together over the next four years."

As the midfield core of France's golden generation of '98, Zinedine Zidane led his team to consecutive victories in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship. He also won one UEFA Champions League title, two Serie A titles, one La Liga title, two UEFA Super Cup titles, one Italian Super Cup title, two Spanish Super Cup titles, two Intercontinental Cup titles, and two Intertoto Cup titles with Porto, Juventus, and Real Madrid. He also won one Ballon d'Or (1998) and three FIFA World Player of the Year awards (1998, 2000, 2003).

In July 2013, Zinedine Zidane began his coaching career at Real Madrid as an assistant coach. He served as Real Madrid's manager twice from 2016 onwards, during which time he achieved a record of 174 wins, 53 draws, and 36 losses, and led the team to win 3 Champions League titles, 2 Club World Cup titles, 2 La Liga titles, 2 UEFA Super Cup titles, and 2 Spanish Super Cup titles.

After completing the signing, Zidane said: "I have said many times that nothing is more important than the French national team. I feel extremely happy and proud to be the head coach of the French national team. Of course, it is also a heavy responsibility."

"I would like to express my gratitude to President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their trust in me, and to Diallo and his coaching team for their hard work over the past 14 years. Today, I would also like to especially thank all the coaches who have mentored me. Without a doubt, I have high hopes for the French national team!"

Image source: Internet/FFF official website