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French football legend Zinedine Zidane is set to become the next head coach of France, according to French sports daily L’Équipe. The newspaper revealed the news ahead of Sunday’s World Cup third-place play-off, in which France lost 6-4 to England.
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According to the report, Zidane will officially take over on 1 September, replacing Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation has not yet confirmed the appointment, but its president, Philippe Diallo, has said an announcement will be made before the end of the month.
French newspaper Le Parisien also reports that Zidane has already begun assembling his coaching staff behind the scenes with his long-time assistant, David Bettoni. Few details have emerged, with the former France captain keeping preparations out of the public eye.
Zidane’s first match in charge is expected to come away to Turkey in the Nations League, before France host Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October.
Deschamps leaves after 14 years in charge of the national team, during which he oversaw 185 matches and guided France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2020-21 Nations League trophy, the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final.
Deschamps and Zidane were teammates when France won the 1998 World Cup on home soil.
As a coach, Zidane enjoyed remarkable success with Real Madrid, leading the Spanish club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, an achievement that has yet to be matched.
His first major tournament as France coach is expected to be Euro 2028.
