Overview
- Multiple outlets report the FFF has chosen Zinedine Zidane to succeed Didier Deschamps after France’s World Cup semi-final exit, with the decision first publicised by Fabrizio Romano and carried widely on Friday.
- Didier Deschamps will step down at the end of the World Cup tournament and is expected to oversee France’s third-place match before the new coach takes over.
- Zidane has reportedly already assembled his immediate backroom staff and the FFF aims to sign a contract through the 2030 World Cup before the end of July so he has a full four-year cycle.
- The federation is working with the Ministry of Sports to find a legal route around a newly set €450,000 annual salary cap so Zidane can be offered a market-level package.
- Sporting debates now focus on tactics and personnel: Zidane’s arrival is seen as a shift toward more creative play, his first competitive games would be Nations League fixtures in September and media speculation includes possible veteran recalls such as Karim Benzema.