ZINEDINE ZIDANE was named as the new head coach of France today, succeeding Didier Deschamps who stepped down this month after 14 years in charge.

The World Cup-winning former France midfielder, whose appointment was confirmed by the France Football Federation, previously guided Real Madrid to three Champions League trophies.

The 54-year-old has agreed a four-year deal with the FFF taking him through to the end of the 2030 World Cup.

He will officially take up the role next month with his first assignment being France’s Nations League campaign in the autumn, when they face games against Turkey, Belgium and Italy.

Zidane said in a statement: “I have often said, ‘There is nothing greater than the French national team.’

“It is therefore a joy – and obviously a source of great pride – to become the head coach of this French team. It is also a responsibility. Needless to say, I have great ambitions for the French national team!”

Zidane had long been expected to take over from his former international team-mate Deschamps, who oversaw World Cup success in 2018 and a runners-up finish in 2022.

As a player he earned 108 caps for France, with the crowning moment being World Cup success in 1998. He also won Euro 2000 but was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final defeat to Italy.

On the domestic front, he won titles with Juventus and Real Madrid.

FFF president Philippe Diallo said appointing Zidane, regarded as one of the country’s greatest players, was a “source of immense pride” for the organisation.