Overview

• Zidane publicly declared during a Paris sponsor event that he dreams of becoming the next France head coach and “can’t wait” to take on the role.
• He emphasized his 12 to 14 years as a French national team player as the core of his qualifications for the position.
• Didier Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus since 2012, will step down after the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
• Media outlets view Zidane as the leading candidate based on his leadership as France’s 1998 World Cup captain and his three Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
• Zidane has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, making this vacancy his first return to management at club or national level.