Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidan will become the new head coach of the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
The 53-year-old, who has Algeria root has been out of coaching since departing the Spanish giants, taking an extended break.
With current France coach set to exit his role after the World Cup tournament, Zidan has been lined up as his replacement.
French media reached out to Zidane for comment, and he responded calmly and clearly:
“There is a coach who is in charge. There is a team. Everything needs to be respected—and that’s exactly what we’re doing. I’ve always respected football and people, so now is not the right time. But when the moment comes, I’ll be very happy if such an opportunity arises.
I’ve paused my career for a while, but I still feel like a coach through and through,” Zidane said.
Zidane began his coaching career in 2013 as an assistant in Real Madrid’s youth system. He later took charge of Real Madrid Castilla, and in 2016, he was promoted to head coach of the first team, succeeding Rafael Benítez.