The curtain has fallen on the World Cup 2026 following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina, marking the formal end of Didier Deschamps" historic 14-year tenure in charge of Equipe de France. As the French national team prepares to turn the page, French sports icon Zinedine Zidane is expected to officially succeed Deschamps, with an official announcement from the Fédération Française de Football anticipated within the next ten days ahead of a scheduled start date on September 1.
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Subscribe Sekarang →Speaking on RTL this Monday, Minister of Sports Marina Ferrari responded to the incoming managerial transition with high enthusiasm, highlighting the legendary midfielder's immense value to French sport. According to Ferrari, while the official decision rests solely with the national governing body, bringing in a figure of Zidane's standing is an exceptional prospect. "It is not up to me to announce the national coach, that is for the federation to do. But when you have the chance to have someone with such talent, I think you have to seize this opportunity for the French team," Ferrari declared during the broadcast.
The minister was also questioned regarding the financial considerations of hiring a coach of Zidane's status, particularly in light of a professional sports reform law set for a final vote on Tuesday. Based on details of the legislation, an amendment proposes capping annual salaries for executives and employees of sporting organizations at 450,000 euros unless a specific exemption is granted by the Ministry of Sports. Ferrari acknowledged the financial realities of elite international football, noting that high-profile national coaching positions worldwide naturally require substantial investments.
Addressing the controversy surrounding state oversight of wages, Ferrari clarified that the capping amendment was not a government initiative and reiterated her personal disagreement with government intervention in private financial matters. According to her statements, regulating the remuneration of private sports structures falls outside the ideal scope of the state, though she accepted the compromise reached between lawmakers. She additionally emphasized her neutrality regarding tactical choices, stressing that choosing the national manager remains entirely outside her ministerial duties.
Observation by the editorial team shows that Zidane's impending appointment arrives at a crucial juncture for French football. Following a massive geopolitical and structural evolution in international football after World Cup 2026, the transition from Deschamps to Zidane represents both a continuation of elite standards and a major cultural reset for Les Bleus heading into the next tournament cycle.