Where is Zinedine Zidane Coaching Now?
Zinedine Zidane is currently the head coach of the France national team, a role he assumed in August 2026. His appointment brings him back to the international stage where he once shone as a player, and it closes years of speculation about his next move in football management.
- Zidane is one of the few to achieve World Cup, Champions League, and Ballon d’Or as a player, then win multiple Champions Leagues as a coach.
- His appointment as France head coach in 2026 marks a return to the national team after a long hiatus from management.
- The 2006 headbutt incident remains one of the most talked-about moments in World Cup history, often overshadowing his playing brilliance.
- Zidane’s four sons are all footballers, with Enzo Zidane having played professionally.
- Despite links to major clubs, Zidane waited for the France job, fulfilling a long-anticipated trajectory.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zinedine Yazid Zidane |
| Date of Birth | 23 June 1972 (age 54) |
| Birthplace | Marseille, France |
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) |
| Religion | Muslim (Algerian descent) |
| Spouse | Véronique Zidane (m. 1994) |
| Children | Four sons (Enzo, Luca, Theo, Elyaz) |
| Playing Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Jersey Number | 10 (France, Real Madrid, Juventus) |
| Major Playing Awards | World Cup (1998), Euro (2000), Champions League (2002), Ballon d’Or (1998) |
| Coaching Awards | 3x Champions League (2016, 2017, 2018), 2x La Liga (2017, 2020) |
| Current Job | Head Coach of France (since 1 Aug 2026) |
What Teams Has Zinedine Zidane Coached?
Real Madrid Castilla (2014-2016)
Zidane began his coaching career with Real Madrid’s reserve team, Castilla, in 2014. This early managerial step gave him the platform to develop his tactical approach and work with young talent before moving to the senior squad.
Real Madrid First Team (2016-2018, 2019-2021)
He took over the first team in January 2016 and immediately transformed the club’s fortunes. In his first spell, Zidane won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, a feat never before achieved in the modern era. EBSCO’s research starter notes that he led Real Madrid to “multiple Champions League titles.” He also secured two La Liga titles, in 2017 and 2020, during his two spells at the helm.
Zidane is the first manager in history to win three consecutive Champions League titles. He also holds a 64% win rate across all competitions as a manager, according to Transfermarkt’s manager profile.
France National Team (2026-Present)
Zidane was appointed head coach of the France national team in August 2026, a role widely anticipated since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021. The French Football Federation confirmed the appointment, marking Zidane’s return to the international setup after his celebrated playing career with Les Bleus.
What is Zinedine Zidane’s Religion and Family Background?
Muslim faith and Algerian heritage
Zidane was born into a family of Algerian origin. His father, Smaïl Zidane, was a practicing Muslim from Kabylia in northern Algeria who moved to France for work. The Real Madrid official history page states that Zidane is “of Algerian origin.” While his family background is rooted in Muslim Algerian traditions, sources do not directly confirm Zidane’s own current religious practice. The safest statement is that he was raised in a family with Muslim Algerian roots.
His wife Véronique and their four sons
Zidane married Véronique Fernandez in 1994. The couple have four sons together: Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz. All four have pursued football careers, with Enzo Zidane having played professionally for clubs including Alavés and Rodez.
Zidane’s four sons all came through the Real Madrid youth academy at some point. Enzo (born 1995) is the eldest and has represented France at youth level, while the younger sons have followed similar pathways in football.
Height and personal details
Zinedine Zidane stands at 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in), a height that contributed to his physical presence as an attacking midfielder.
Why Did Zinedine Zidane Headbutt Marco Materazzi?
The 2006 World Cup final incident
In the 110th minute of the 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy, Zidane headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. The referee issued a red card, and Zidane left the pitch in what would be the final act of his playing career. Italy went on to win the match on penalties. Britannica’s biography notes this as a defining moment of his career.
Aftermath and context
Zidane later explained that Materazzi had insulted his family. The incident sparked global debate about sportsmanship, passion, and legacy. Zidane received a three-match suspension from FIFA and was fined. He also issued a public apology, though he stood by his account of what was said.
The headbutt marked the final match of Zidane’s playing career. Despite the controversy, he was still named Player of the Tournament at the 2006 World Cup, reflecting his overall performances during the competition.
Long-term effect on his legacy
While the incident remains one of the most replayed moments in World Cup history, many analysts and fans argue that it does not define Zidane’s career. His achievements as both a player and a coach far outweigh that single moment, though the headbutt continues to be a frequently searched topic.
What is Zinedine Zidane’s Playing Legacy?
1998 World Cup winner and hero
Zidane scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, leading France to a 3-0 victory on home soil. He was hailed as a national hero and won the Ballon d’Or later that year. FootballHistory.org notes that his international career included 108 caps and 31 goals for France.
Euro 2000 and Champions League 2002
He helped France win UEFA Euro 2000, cementing his status as one of the finest players of his generation. In 2002, Zidane scored a legendary left-footed volley in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Real Madrid’s ninth European Cup.
Jersey number 10
Zidane wore the number 10 jersey for France, Real Madrid, and Juventus. The number became synonymous with his elegant playing style and creative influence on the pitch.
How Did Zinedine Zidane’s Career Unfold Over Time?
- : Born in Marseille, France
- : Joins Cannes youth academy
- : Professional debut at Cannes
- : Moves to Juventus, wins Serie A
- : Scores twice in World Cup final, wins Ballon d’Or
- : Wins Euro 2000 with France
- : Transfers to Real Madrid for world-record fee
- : Scores legendary volley in Champions League final
- : Headbutts Materazzi in World Cup final, retires
- : Begins coaching career at Real Madrid Castilla
- : Appointed Real Madrid head coach, wins Champions League
- : Wins third consecutive Champions League, resigns
- : Returns to Real Madrid, wins La Liga
- : Leaves Real Madrid after season without trophies
- : Appointed head coach of France national team
What Facts About Zidane Are Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Zidane is the head coach of France as of August 2026 | Length of his contract with France |
| He won the 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000, and 2002 Champions League | Future beyond France role |
| He headbutted Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final | Exact salary details as France coach |
| He has four sons: Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz | Whether he will manage a club outside Spain or France |
| He is a Muslim of Algerian descent | His precise net worth (not reliably sourced) |
What Is the Significance of Zidane’s Career in Football?
Zinedine Zidane’s career represents a rare blend of individual brilliance and team success, both as a player and a manager. His appointment as France head coach in 2026 closes a chapter of speculation and fulfills a long-expected destiny. The move is seen as a natural progression after his success at Real Madrid, where he became the first manager to win three consecutive Champions League titles. Questions remain about how he will adapt to international football, with fewer matches and different tactical demands. The 2006 headbutt, while a stain on his final match, has been recontextualized as a moment of passion that does not define his legacy. His ability to manage star players and his calm demeanor are expected to serve him well with the French squad.
What Do Official Sources Say About Zinedine Zidane?
“Zidane is a genius who marked an era.”
— Real Madrid official website
“Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.”
— Wikipedia
“World’s Best Club Coach – 2 UEFA Champions League winner.”
— Transfermarkt profile
The Wikipedia biography provides a comprehensive overview of his life and career, while the French Football Federation’s press conference on YouTube documented his official unveiling as France head coach.
What Is the Complete Picture of Zinedine Zidane’s Life and Career?
Zinedine Zidane’s journey from a boy in Marseille to a World Cup winner, Ballon d’Or recipient, and three-time Champions League-winning coach is one of the most remarkable in football history. As of 2026, he embarks on his most personal challenge yet: leading the France national team. His first major test will be the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers, starting in 2027. For readers interested in similar profiles, see Victor Osimhen – Biography, Salary, Club & Personal Life and Nico O’Reilly – Rising Star at Manchester City.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zinedine Zidane
What is Zinedine Zidane’s net worth?
Estimated at $120 million, accumulated through playing contracts, coaching salaries, and endorsements.
How old is Zinedine Zidane?
Born 23 June 1972, he is 54 years old as of 2026.
What number jersey did Zidane wear?
He wore the number 10 for France, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
Did Zidane play for France?
Yes, he earned 108 caps for France, scoring 31 goals, and won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
What is Zidane’s coaching record?
As of 2026, he has a 64% win rate as a manager, with 3 Champions League titles and 2 La Liga titles.
How many children does Zidane have?
He has four sons: Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz.
What is Zidane’s height?
He is 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) tall.
Did Zidane win the Ballon d’Or?
Yes, he won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 following his World Cup triumph.
What happened in the 2006 World Cup final?
Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in extra time, was sent off, and Italy won on penalties. It was his final match as a player.
Is Zidane the new France head coach?
Yes, he was appointed head coach of the France national team in August 2026.
Daniel Okafor is Markets Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, covering financial markets, the FTSE, shares, currencies, commodities and investor news.