New Delhi: Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will leave his role as France manager after the 2026 World Cup, ending a historic tenure that began in 2012. Under his leadership, France won the 2018 World Cup, reached the final in 2022, and consistently remained among the best teams in international football.
His departure leaves a major gap, and speculation has already begun over who will take his place. One name stands above the rest—Zinedine Zidane.
The former Real Madrid manager has been linked with the job for years, but with Deschamps now confirming his exit, the pressure to appoint Zidane has increased. Fans see him as the natural successor, and Deschamps himself agrees. However, there are questions over whether Zidane actually wants the job.
The French legend has been out of coaching since 2021, and his next move remains uncertain. While the focus is on the future, Deschamps is also dealing with other issues, including Kylian Mbappe’s return to the national team.**
Zinedine Zidane the ‘natural’ choice, but will the icon take the mantle?
🚨🇫🇷 Didier Deschamps: “Zinedine Zidane as next France head coach? Well, he’s a very good candidate”, told L’Équipé. pic.twitter.com/up8e0cE4nQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025
Didier Deschamps sees Zinedine Zidane as the clear choice to take over. He said to L’Équipe, “Zizou is a very good candidate, a natural and expected one.” However, he admitted he is unsure whether Zinedine Zidane actually wants the job. The 52-year-old has not managed since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three UEFA Champions League titles.
The two legends played together in France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad, forming a midfield partnership that mixed creativity and steel. Many believe Zidane is the people’s choice, but his own plans remain unknown.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps also spoke about Kylian Mbappe’s struggles at the Euros. The forward broke his nose and was not at his best, which affected the team. Despite missing recent France games, Mbappe will return for the Nations League matches in March. “He will be there,” Deschamps confirmed, adding that his captaincy will be discussed.
Reflecting on his decision to step down, Deschamps said he has no regrets. “I am not tired or worn out, but I feel that I have done my time,” he explained. He ruled out managing another national team but is open to a club role. Having previously coached Monaco and Marseille, he could return to club football after more than a decade with France.
For now, the focus remains on his final two years with Les Bleus and the big question—will Zidane finally step into his shoes?
Didier Deschamps backs Zinedine Zidane as the ‘natural’ choice to replace him as France coach but is unsure if Zidane wants the job. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe is set to return for Nations League games. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
