A NEW ERA BEGINS FOR LES BLEUS

August 2, 2026 31 1

Amilcar Xayiya

@melkardescaribe

France has turned to one of their greatest football icons, appointing Zinedine Zidane as the national team’s new head coach following Didier Deschamps’ departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Five years after his last managerial role at Real Madrid, where he guided Los Blancos to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, Zidane takes charge of a French side that enjoyed remarkable success under Deschamps. During his 14-year tenure, Deschamps led Les Bleus to FIFA World Cup glory in 2018, defended the UEFA Nations League title in 2021 and was named the world’s best national coach in consecutive years.

Zidane’s appointment marks the end of a year-long wait, having reportedly rejected several club opportunities while holding out for the chance to lead his country. Rather than accepting one of the many high-profile jobs offered to him, the former Real Madrid manager remained patient, believing the opportunity to coach Les Bleus was worth waiting for.

Speaking at his unveiling, Zidane made no secret of what the appointment meant to him, stating to the press, “It’s a dream, and I’m very happy and very honoured to be here.” On waiting for the France job, he continued, “I waited patiently because this was the position I wanted.” Looking ahead to the challenge, Zidane was clear about his ambitions and said that the objective is to continue making this team competitive and win trophies.

With players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise having matured under the watch of Didier Deschamps, he leaves his successor a stronger and more stable team than his predecessors left him.

Zidane commented on France, stating, “France has extraordinary talent, and my job is to help these players express themselves as best they can.” It is something he is well acquainted with, having coached a squad containing Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo to glorious success. Zidane’s arrival has already ignited discussion among football supporters, with many eager to see whether his remarkable club success can be replicated on the international stage. Students and football fans weighed in on the appointment, sharing their expectations for the new France manager.

Respondents were overwhelmingly positive when asked to rate their excitement about Zidane’s appointment out of 10. While ratings ranged from 7/10 to a perfect 10/10, many cited Zidane’s proven ability to manage world-class players and his winning pedigree at Real Madrid as reasons for their optimism.

Akhanyile Johnson, a second-year Bachelor of Communication student as well as an avid soccer fan, was among those excited by the appointment, rating it 8.5/10. He said, “Zidane feels like a properly appointed national team coach. His club record at Real Madrid was elite.” However, he also acknowledged the unique challenge of international football, adding that international management is a different ball game, with less time on the training pitch and far less room for error.

Fellow football fan and a second-year industrial psychology student, Kwezi Dwenga was even more enthusiastic, giving Zidane a perfect score in his rating. He said, “The perfect score is purely because I love Zidane, man. Him as a player, but as a manager, he’s got a good track record,” he said. When asked whether France could lift another FIFA World Cup under Zidane, all three respondents believed they could. Most pointed to the depth of France’s current squad and Zidane’s experience of winning football’s biggest trophies.

Alupheli Speelman, a first-year computer engineering student, was confident that the squad already has the foundations for success. “I don’t see why France wouldn’t be able to win another World Cup. They have a young team with stars. Mbappé will still be energetic and fully capable of leading the team.” Furthermore, Dwenga echoed that optimism, saying, “France has one of the best teams in the world, and a coach like Zidane knows what it takes to win on the big stages.”

Despite acknowledging the differences between club and international football, respondents largely agreed that Zidane’s achievements at Real Madrid would prepare him well for the role.

Johnson believes Zidane’s biggest strengths are transferable. “His strengths should translate very well – big-game composure, elite player management and tactical flexibility.” He did, however, caution that the weekly coaching rhythm of club football is something Zidane will have to adapt to. Speelman also backed the Frenchman, saying, “Winning three UCLs back-to-back is no easy feat. I believe he will perform well, given his club history.”

When asked which young French player they were most excited to see under Zidane, respondents highlighted several attacking talents, reflecting the depth of France’s current generation. Johnson pointed to Désiré Doué, describing him as the kind of creative, fearless attacker Zidane could really develop. Meanwhile, Dwenga believes Michael Olise could flourish under the French legend, saying, “I think Zidane will also get him to shoot a bit more and finish a bit better.” He also tipped Rayan Cherki as another player who could benefit from Zidane’s influence.

With a team full of stars, a wealth of managerial experience, and a lifelong passion for football, Zidane has positioned himself as a worthy successor to Didier Deschamps. Whether he can add to France’s rich footballing legacy remains to be seen, but if his playing and managerial career are anything to go by, Les Bleus appear to be in capable hands.