Emotional Zidane starts his 'dream' job

Moments after being announced as France's new coach on Tuesday, Zinedine Zidane clenched his fists and his usually measured voice trembled a little.

"I'm excited," he said. "The France team makes you dream. We have extraordinary players, an extraordinary team."

Zidane coached Real Madrid until leaving in 2021. He replaces Didier Deschamps at the helm of a France team he led to glory as arguably its greatest ever player.

"I've waited five years for this chance, so that's why I'm a bit emotional," said Zidane, adding that it was the happiest day of his career as a coach.

"I've always watched this side as a fan and also as a future coach, I won't hide it," Zidane added. "That's why I didn't take a club side. I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Madrid was taking the France team."

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane's appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris on Tuesday, saying he has been given a four-year contract.

Diallo said the hiring of Zidane was "an exceptional moment," calling the new head coach "one of the legends of French soccer".

The 54-year-old Zidane could have gone to another club after leaving Madrid in 2021, but there was no way he would.

"I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club," he said. "I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do."

Zidane called it "an immense joy" taking charge.

"I have so many emotions," he said. "I am ready for the challenge."

Zidane praised Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup and stepped down after the recently concluded 2026 edition, where Les Bleus lost in the semifinals to Spain.

"I will give everything so that this team can win," Zidane said. "I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) for these remarkable years."

Diallo said he met Zidane for talks in February 2025, after Deschamps said he would stand down following the 2026 World Cup. Zidane said France would play differently to how it did under Deschamps.

"What motivates me is the game, I was a No 10, I like goals," Zidane said. "I was a leader on the field, and now I want to be a leader by experience."

His first game will be away to Turkiye in the Nations League on Sept 25, followed by a match in Belgium three days later.

Home fans need to wait until Oct 2 for a glimpse of Zidane at Stade de France, when France plays Italy, 20 years after he was sent off against the Azzurri in the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting defender Marco Materazzi.

"I've noted all of the four matches to come," Zidane said, tapping his forehead. "Italy is special, because I played there, because I know people, because I speak Italian. All of those things."

After the announcement, Zidane greeted a large gathering of fans outside the federation headquarters who cheered loudly when he arrived.