France appoints Zinedine Zidane as men's national team coach

France has appointed Zinedine Zidane as coach of its men's national team. The development was reported on 2026-07-28T10:34:55.0000000Z.

Zidane, the former player who rose to global prominence during his playing days, returns to a high-profile coaching role. He previously coached Real Madrid before leaving in 2021. The appointment reunites the country with one of its most recognizable football figures.

The hiring was confirmed in reports on 2026-07-28T10:34:55.0000000Z. Zidane's most recent prior managerial tenure ended in 2021 when he stepped away from Real Madrid. His new role places him at the helm of the national side after several years away from that specific level of management.

Observers noted that Zidane's reputation as a leading figure in world football stems from both his playing career and his record as a coach. His time at Real Madrid is a frequently cited element of his résumé, with his departure from the club occurring in 2021. The move to the national team marks a shift in responsibilities from club to country.

Details provided in the reporting were concise about the change in leadership. The information published on 2026-07-28T10:34:55.0000000Z focused on the appointment itself and on Zidane's prior association with Real Madrid through 2021. No further specifics about the terms of his engagement were included in those initial reports.

For France, the naming of Zidane returns a prominent figure to the national coaching scene. The announcement dated 2026-07-28T10:34:55.0000000Z sets the official timing for the change. Zidane's previous exit from Real Madrid in 2021 is a clear marker in his recent professional timeline.

The appointment of Zinedine Zidane as men's national team coach represents a notable development for French football. Published reports dated 2026-07-28T10:34:55.0000000Z underline the basic facts of the move, including his earlier role at Real Madrid and his departure in 2021.