Zinedine Zidane signs France manager deal until 2030 after Romano report

Zinedine Zidane is set to return to the dugout as France manager after agreeing a contract that runs until June 2030. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Tuesday that Zidane had signed the deal and would be unveiled in the coming days.

What happened?

On Tuesday, Romano disclosed that Zidane had signed on to manage France through June 2030. The French Football Federation has yet to make the appointment official, but Romano stated Zidane will be presented as the new head coach “in the next days.” The 54-year-old last managed Real Madrid, leaving the Bernabéu in 2021 after two spells in charge.

Why it matters for Zinedine Zidane

Zidane’s return to management comes after Didier Deschamps announced he would step down following the 2026 World Cup. The 1998 World Cup winner and Ballon d’Or recipient has long been linked with the France job and has repeatedly expressed his desire to lead Les Bleus. His appointment would mark his first major coaching role since leaving Madrid five years ago.

What comes next?

Zidane is expected to oversee France’s fixtures in the 2027 UEFA Nations League, UEFA Euro 2028, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. His arrival follows a period of speculation over who would replace Deschamps, who took charge in 2012 and guided France to the 2018 World Cup title.

Zidane’s coaching legacy

During his time at Real Madrid, Zidane won three straight Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, two La Liga crowns, and multiple domestic and international trophies. As a player, he scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final to lead France past Brazil. His return to management signals a new chapter for both the French Football Federation and Zidane himself.