Algeria rooted manager Zinedine Zidane closing in on France coaching job

Former Real Madrid tactician Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reach an agreement to succeed Didier Dechamps as next France manager.

Zidane, who guided Real Madrid to a three consecutive Champions League titles has been without a club since exiting the Spanish powerhouse back in 2022.

The 53-year-old has been in talks with the French Football Federation over the past few months, with both parties reportedly close to finalizing an agreement.

Zidane will take over as head coach of the French national team immediately after the 2026 World Cup, when current manager Didier Deschamps, who has been at the helm of Les Bleus since 2012, steps down.

Zinedine Zidane held various roles at Real Madrid and took charge of the first team in January 2016. Over two seasons, he won three Champions League titles, the La Liga trophy, and several other honors. In 2017, he was named the world’s best coach. After clinching a third consecutive Champions League in 2018, Zidane left but returned to the club in 2019.