France has appointed <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/legendary-zinedine-zidane-likely-to-take-over-as-france-head-coach-23641236" rel="nofollow">legendary Zinedine Zidane</a> as the new head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced Zidane's appointment at the FFF headquarters in Paris.
The 54-year-old former footballer has been given a four-year contract with France's national team.
Diallo called his appointment an exceptional moment and also hailed Zidane as one of the legends of French soccer.
"This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me. Zinedine is one of the legends of French soccer and for many years he said one of his dreams was to take charge of the France team," he said.
The last time Zidane coached any team was <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/real-madrid-sign-portuguese-star-bernardo-silva-from-man-city-23635597" rel="nofollow">Real Madrid</a>, which he left in 2021. Speaking on his appointment as France's head coach, the former footballer said that he turned down all the offers he had just to take charge of the national team.
"For me it's a continuity, a dream. I had some offers during the five years I was away to take charge of a club but I turned them all down for the France team. It was the only thing I wanted to do," said Zidane.
"I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge. That's what motivates me," he added.
He then congratulated Deschamps for his coaching career with the team and stated that he is looking forward to become a leader by experience.
"Today I have the opportunity to be in charge of this team and I will give everything so that this team can win. I would also like to congratulate DD (Deschamps) for these remarkable years. What motivates me is the game, I was a No. 10, I like goals. I was a leader on the field and now I want to be a leader by experience," he said.
<h2>FIFA World Cup 2026, France vs England: Goalscorers in the third-place clash</h2>
In the recently concluded <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/cabo-verde-goalkeeper-vozinha-signs-a-deal-with-chile-club-colo-colo-23641550" rel="nofollow">FIFA World Cup</a>, France suffered a loss in the third-place match by 4-6 against England. Skipper Kylian Mbappe (2 goals), Bradley Barcola (1 goal), and Ousmane Dembele (1 goal) were the goalscorers for France.
On the other hand, Declan Rice (1 goal), Ezri Konsa (1 goal), Bukayo Saka (3 goals), and Jude Bellingham (1 goal) registered goals for England.
In the title clash of the marquee event, a late goal from <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/fifa-world-cup-2026-heartbreak-before-trophy-for-spain-striker-ferran-torres-23640979" rel="nofollow">Ferran Torres</a> helped Spain to emerge victorious by 1-0 against Argentina. This was the second time that Spain has clinched the elusive showpiece.
(With AP Inputs)

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo called his appointment exceptional moment and hailed Zinedine Zidane as one of the legends of French soccer

France appoint football legend Zinedine Zidane as new head coach

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French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo called his appointment an exceptional moment and also hailed Zidane as one of the legends of French soccer

Football legend Zinedine Zidane takes over as France's head coach

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