Zidane expresses desire to manage France as Deschamps prepares to step down

Friday 30 May 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Zidane expresses desire to manage France as Deschamps prepares to step down

Zinédine Zidane has once again made it clear he wants the France job when Didier Deschamps steps down.

The 52-year-old, who won everything with France as a player and Real Madrid as a manager, spoke at an Adidas event in Paris and didn’t hold back. “Of course, it’s a dream. I look forward to it,” he said. “I feel qualified. I spent more than a decade with the national team as a player.”

Deschamps is set to leave after the 2026 World Cup in North America. He has been in charge since 2012 and led France to the 2018 World Cup and the Nations League title in 2021.

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid in 2021. He has made it clear he’s not in a rush, but the France job is the one he wants. “It’s not the right moment,” he added. “Out of respect for Didier and the team, we must wait. But if the chance comes, it’ll be with great pleasure.”

Zidane remains a huge figure in French football. His CV speaks for itself: three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, and a calm, no-fuss approach on the touchline.

If he gets the job, he’d be working with the likes of Kylian Mbappé, now the star at Real Madrid. The idea of Zidane leading this golden generation is already exciting fans.

It feels like the stars are aligning. And Zidane knows it.