Marina Ferrari says Zinédine Zidane is a chance for France as appointment nears | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane will be confirmed as France head coach within 10 days, with his tenure due to begin on 1 September. Sports minister Marina Ferrari has called his arrival a major opportunity for the national team.

The 2026 World Cup ended on Sunday with Spain beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Didier Deschamps took charge of his final match after 14 years at the helm.

"It is not for me to announce the head coach, that is for the federation. But when you have someone with such talent, I think you should seize that chance for the France team," said Marina Ferrari, speaking to RTL.

Asked about the next coach’s salary amid a professional sport reform set to be finally voted on Tuesday, which caps annual pay for executives and employees at 450,000 euros unless granted a ministerial exemption, she added: "For roles like this, in national teams around the world, they do cost a bit of money."

On the sporting side, she said: "I have no particular expertise in how to choose a France coach. I am not a football specialist, I am not on the touchline. That is not my role."

Source: L'Équipe