Zidane to be appointed France head coach, replacing Deschamps

Zinedine Zidane is set to be appointed head coach of the France national football team, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said in a statement on his Instagram account on Thursday. Romano reported that Zidane has signed a contract running until the middle of 2030. The move ends a long-running succession question surrounding Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge. Deschamps led France to the 2018 World Cup title, finished second in 2022 and placed fourth at this year's tournament. The French Football Federation has not yet issued an official announcement on the appointment. French sports daily L'Équipe had previously reported that Zidane, a former world and European champion, would take over the national team role. Zidane previously managed Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2021, winning three Champions League titles and two La Liga titles with the club.