France national team head coach, Didier Deschamps has backed Zinedine Zidane to replace him when he steps down after the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Deschamps, who has led France to World Cup and Nations League glory, will leave his post after FIFA’s next global tournament.
In an interview with L’Équipe, the 1998 World Cup winner described the former Real Madrid manager as a “natural choice” to take over.
“Zidane is a very good option,” Deschamps said. “There is a lot of respect between us. But in the end, it will be his choice and the decision of the French Football Federation.”
The FFF president, Philippe Diallo, echoed the same opinion, saying: “He is a legend of French and world football. He played a key role in our first World Cup win. He has my full respect.”
Zidane, who played for the French national team but has Algerian heritage has always been open to coach the 2022 World Cup finalist.
In an interview on French TV back in 2022, he made it clear: “I want to coach France. I hope it happens one day.”
Despite stepping down, Deschamps made one thing clear – he is not retiring. “I’m leaving something that has been great for many years, but I am not stopping coaching. There are many options for the future.”
