French football icon Zinedine Zidane is set to return to the international stage as the head coach of Les Bleus following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Local media reports indicate that the 1998 World Cup hero has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to succeed long-standing manager Didier Deschamps.
The transition marks a seismic shift for the national team, ending Deschamps' tenure that included a World Cup title in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022. While the agreement is reportedly finalized, Zidane will only take the reins after the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, allowing the FFF to launch a refreshed sporting project under his leadership.
Zidane has been out of the dugout since his second stint at Real Madrid ended in 2021. Despite being heavily courted by top European clubs and even receiving an official approach from the United States Men’s National Team, the 52-year-old remained steadfast in his desire to lead his country.
I’m sure I’ll get back into coaching, i’m not saying it’s going to happen now, but what I want one day is to coach the national team.
Zinedine Zidane in 2025
Win rate: A clinical 62.5% across 320 matches.
Champions League dominance: The only manager to win a "hat-trick" of consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016–2018).
Trophy haul: 11 major titles in just two stints at Real Madrid, including two La Liga crowns.
Defensive balance: 200 wins against only 50 losses in his senior career.
By locking in the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, the Federation aims to leverage a figure who commands "absolute respect" from a locker room filled with global stars.
Zidane’s career trajectory has been meticulously built for this moment. After retiring as a player in 2006, he spent four years away from the pitch before becoming an advisor to Jose Mourinho. He then systematically moved through the ranks as an assistant and B-team coach before replacing Rafael Benitez and transforming Real Madrid into a European juggernaut.
While the focus shifts to Zidane, the timing of the news places a unique spotlight on Didier Deschamps. Having guided France to consecutive World Cup finals, Deschamps remains one of the most successful managers in international history. This "succession plan" ensures that regardless of the outcome in North America, France has already secured the most sought-after signature in world football to lead them into the 2028 European Championship.
For Zidane, the goal is clear: to keep France at the pinnacle of international football and finally add a managerial World Cup trophy to the one he hoisted as a player 28 years ago.
