Zinedine Zidane: Coach, Retirement, and Algerian Heritage

Born: June 23, 1972 | Height: 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) | Ballon d’Or: 1 (1998) | World Cup Winner: 1998 | Current Role: France head coach (as of 2026)

The French Football Federation confirmed Zidane would succeed Didier Deschamps, as reported by BBC Sport. The Guardian noted the four-year contract, while Le Monde reported he was 54 at the time.

Which team is Zidane coaching now?

Current coaching role

Zinedine Zidane is the head coach of the France national team, officially appointed on July 28, 2026. The French Football Federation said he would succeed Didier Deschamps, per BBC Sport. The Guardian reported a four-year contract, and Le Monde noted he was 54 at the time.

What is Zidane doing now?

He had been out of management since 2021 after leaving Real Madrid for the second time. His appointment ended years of speculation about the post, as reported by Le Monde.

The implication: Zidane’s return to the dugout marks a homecoming for a player widely described as France’s greatest, per BBC Sport.

Why did Zidane retire early?

Reasons for early retirement as a player

He retired from playing in 2006 after the World Cup final. He cited physical and mental fatigue after a long career. He later returned to coaching but left management in 2021.

Retirement from coaching

Zidane left Real Madrid in 2021 for the second time. Precise reasons remain unclear, but reports suggest a need for rest after three consecutive Champions League titles.

The pattern: Zidane’s career has been marked by decisive exits at peak moments, both as a player and manager.

How many Ballon d’Or awards does Zidane have?

Ballon d’Or wins

He won the Ballon d’Or once in 1998, awarded by France Football. Le Figaro reported he won with a 176-point margin over Davor Šuker. Ronaldo finished third, 178 points behind Zidane. He became the fourth French player to win, per Le Monde archives.

Other major awards

He also won FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1998, 2000, 2003). He was runner-up for the Ballon d’Or in 2000 and 2006.

What this means: Zidane’s 1998 season, capped by a World Cup victory and two goals in the final against Brazil, created an unbeatable resume for that year’s top award.

Is Zidane 100% Algerian?

Heritage and nationality

Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents of Kabyle descent, as reported by Le Monde. He chose to represent France internationally.

Why his son plays for Algeria

His son Enzo Zidane plays for Algeria’s national team, reflecting the family’s dual heritage.

Where does Zidane live?

Zidane splits time between Madrid and France.

The catch: While Zidane is fully French by birth and nationality, his Kabyle-Algerian roots have deeply influenced his identity and his family’s football choices.

Was Zinedine Zidane a smoker?

Smoking habit

Zidane was known to smoke during his playing career, even during the 1998 World Cup. This habit, while not officially confirmed in detail, has been a persistent part of his public narrative. He is 185 cm tall, a practicing Muslim, and married to Veronique Zidane, with four sons.

The implication: Zidane’s smoking habit stands in contrast to the peak physical condition expected of elite athletes, adding a layer of complexity to his legend.

“Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as head coach in 2021.” — BBC Sport

“Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.” — Wikipedia

Timeline

• 1972: Born in Marseille, France
• 1998: Won FIFA World Cup with France; won Ballon d’Or — Le Monde archives
• 2001: Transferred to Real Madrid
• 2006: Retired as a player after World Cup final
• 2016: Appointed head coach of Real Madrid
• 2018: Won third consecutive Champions League; resigned
• 2019: Returned as Real Madrid coach
• 2021: Left Real Madrid for second time
• 2026: Appointed head coach of France national team — BBC Sport

The pattern: Zidane’s return to football management at the highest level mirrors his playing career’s arc of leaving and returning to the spotlight.

Confirmed facts and what remains unclear

Confirmed

• Zidane is France head coach as of 2026 — BBC Sport
• Born 1972 in Marseille — Le Monde
• Won Ballon d’Or 1998 — Le Monde archives
• Retired from playing 2006
• Coached Real Madrid 2016-2018, 2019-2021

Unclear or rumored

• Exact current residence (likely Madrid or France)
• Details of smoking habit during playing days (reported but not officially confirmed)
• Precise reasons for leaving Real Madrid in 2021

The implication: While Zidane’s major career moves are well-documented, the personal motivations behind his decisions remain partly private.

Frequently Asked Questions