Paris, July 28 -- Zinedine Zidane was appointed head coach of the France national team on Tuesday, ending years of speculation by taking over one of international football's most coveted jobs.
The 54-year-old former France captain succeeds Didier Deschamps, who had revealed last year that he would step down after 14 years in charge following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The French Football Federation said Zidane has signed a contract through the 2030 World Cup.
One of the greatest players in French football history, Zidane inspired the host nation to its first World Cup title in 1998, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, before also helping Les Bleus win the European Championships two years later.
He was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 199...