Legendary soccer star takes charge as France’s new coach
Zinedine Zidane has been named the new head coach of the French national team, a role he has described as his ‘dream job’.
The former star player, known for his iconic performances with Real Madrid and France in the 1990s and 2000s, has taken over from Didier Deschamps after leading Les Bleus to world titles. Zidane, a four-year contract through the 2030 World Cup, is expected to bring fresh management skills and leadership to the national side.
Zidane says: “I knew this was my only goal… I will make sure this team continues to achieve victories; that’s my only motivation.”According to reporting by CBS Sports - Soccer
About his coaching journey so far
Tracing back, Zidane's career transitioned seamlessly from the playing field. His coaching debut came in 2014 as an assistant at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, where he contributed to multiple titles and eventually took charge himself. He led Real Madrid to unprecedented success across three UEFA Champions League triumphs.
Why he turned down other offers
Zidane has rejected multiple lucrative club offers over the last few years. After leaving Real Madrid in 2021, he expressed a clear preference for this national role. 'I could have taken on a project for three years but decided to wait for my only dream,' he said.
His words: “This is the job I wanted after Real Madrid… It’s something different from coaching clubs.”Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Zidane choose this role?
Zidane has a long history with French football, having played for Les Bleus and starting his managerial career here. “I turned down every offer because I only wanted this,” he stated.
How does he plan to balance personal life and coaching duties?
While excited about the challenge, Zidane is also mindful of managing his time between professional commitments and personal life.