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Zinedine Zidane, whether intentionally or not, sparked curiosity after acknowledging that his appointment to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager may have been "difficult" for some, while also addressing Kylian Mbappé, who has yet to receive a call from his new national team coach.
Zidane, one of the few players with an even more distinguished record for Les Bleus than Mbappé, was named Deschamps's successor on Tuesday, penning a four-year deal that will carry him through the 2028 European Championship and to the conclusion of the 2030 World Cup.
There was no mistaking the delight Zidane felt upon fulfilling a lifelong ambition, though he acknowledged that his excitement might not be shared by everyone. "I'm overjoyed and elated about this appointment," he said with a smile, "even if, at the same time, things are tough for some people."
"We haven't been in touch with Kylian [Mbappé]. The most important thing for him right now is to recover after such a grueling season. We'll have the opportunity to speak with him and the other players in September."
Mbappé shared a notably close bond with Deschamps and was visibly crestfallen at not having given his former coach the farewell of a second World Cup title over the summer. The Real Madrid forward has spoken warmly of Zidane in the past, but it came as a mild surprise for the incoming manager to group Mbappé alongside the rest of the squad. Not only is he the country's finest player, but he also served as captain under Deschamps.
Nonetheless, Zidane was effusive in his praise for the squad as a whole. "I have exceptional material to work with—a remarkable team," he enthused. "I'm going to share my footballing philosophy with them."
That philosophy was broadly characterized as attacking. "I was a No. 10," Zidane noted, "what motivates me is scoring goals—the game itself. I lived in Spain for 25 years; you know what that implies." That is presumably a nod toward a possession-based approach, though that was never quite the hallmark of the Real Madrid sides he played in or managed.
Whatever Zidane has in store, change is on the horizon. "Honestly, I'm going to do things my own way," he cautioned. "DD is DD [Didier Deschamps]. Laurent Blanc was Laurent Blanc. Zizou is Zizou [Zidane]. I'm going to try to do what I know best."
Confident Zidane Takes Dream France Job With Six-Word Declaration
If French football federation president Philippe Diallo needed any persuasion to appoint Zidane, the iconic coach offered his own brief yet powerful case.
Zidane has never previously managed a national side and last held a club position half a decade ago, yet a glittering playing career spent captivating Europe with the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid grants the former France captain an unparalleled standing.
During that voluntary absence, Zidane was far from lacking in suitors. "I received offers to take charge of clubs during the four or five years I was away from football," the former Real Madrid boss who claimed three consecutive Champions League titles (2016–18) told reporters at Tuesday's official presentation. "I declined them all for the sake of the French national team, because that was the only role I wanted after my time at Real Madrid."
"I've said it on many occasions: there is nothing greater than the French national team," Zidane added. "It is an immense joy. I am happy about what is happening to me today. I am calm, yet filled with emotion. I am ready for this challenge; that is what fuels me."
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Deschamps inherited a France squad plagued by internal discord following a catastrophic, rebellion-marred 2010 World Cup and transformed Les Bleus into one of the most consistent forces on the world stage. The 2018 world champion also reached the 2016 European Championship final and the 2022 World Cup final. Despite producing some of the most dynamic attacking football of the summer, France were unable to overcome eventual champions Spain in the 2026 semifinal.
Zidane paid tribute to Deschamps, his captain when France lifted the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, before looking ahead: "A new chapter is beginning with a new staff. I will give everything I have to this team. I can't wait to get going."