French football icon Zinedine Zidane is reportedly poised to take over as the head coach of the France national team after Didier Deschamps steps down in 2026.
This confirmation, echoed by respected RMC journalist Gilbert Brisbois, has sparked widespread excitement across the French football community.
“It’s done, it’s decided!” Brisbois exclaimed during his broadcast on After Foot, confidently declaring Zidane as the next manager of Les Bleus.
Zidane Confirms Readiness to Return
While Zidane has taken a break from coaching since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, the 1998 World Cup winner has made it clear that managing the national team is his ultimate ambition.
“Of course, it’s a dream of mine,” Zidane said in a recent interview. “I’ve taken a break, but I feel completely ready to return. When the time comes, it would be a great pleasure if the opportunity arises.”
Zidane’s passion for France is evident, he spent over a decade as a player with the national side and has long been linked with the managerial post. He even turned down a €100 million offer from Saudi Arabia earlier this year, holding out for the France job.
Legendary Legacy Set to Continue
Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in modern football, particularly due to his historic run with Real Madrid, where he won 11 trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
With Deschamps expected to step aside after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, fans and pundits alike believe Zidane is the perfect successor to lead the next generation of French talent.
