Soccer
Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane tipped for sensational return to former team
Zidane, who won three Champions Leagues with Madrid, has been linked with France, Manchester United and the USMNT since his last coaching job in 2021.
Zinedine Zidane, who has only ever managed former club Real Madrid and hasn’t coached since 2021, now has a clear path to become the new man in charge of the France national team after Didier Deschamps announced he would be stepping down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Didier Deschamps to step down as France coach
Deschamps, who took charge of Les Bleus in 2012, told French broadcaster TF1 of his intention to leave his current post upon the expiry of his contract in 2026: “I’ve been here since 2012, I’m scheduled to be here until 2026, the next World Cup, but that’s where it’s going to end because it has to end at some point”.
“I did my time, with the same desire and the same passion to keep the French team at the highest level, but 2026 is all very well.”
A former Juventus and international teammate of Zidane’s, Deschamps led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and to the finals of the 2022 tournament and Euro 2016. However, he has received criticism for failing to achieve more with a supremely talented generation of players, as well as for his cautious style of play.
Zidane’s incredible Real Madrid success and USMNT rejection
Zidane himself remains one of the most successful coaches in recent history despite having not worked in that capacity since May 2021, when his second spell as Real Madrid manager came to an end.
In less than four full seasons in charge of Los Blancos, the Frenchman won three Champions Leagues, two LaLiga titles, two Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.
He has been heavily linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, which he has consistently played down. Additionally, Zidane reportedly rejected the chance to become USMNT coach after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
FFF president coy on Zidane appointment
Philippe Diallo, the President of the French Football Federation (FFF), has previously remained coy on whether Zidane could replace Deschamps but admitted his credentials and status make him impossible to ignore: “I’m not going to get into this debate. Didier has two years of his contract left and, to show respect to him, his staff and his players, speaking about who will replace him isn’t a discussion for now.
“He (Zidane) achieved great things with Real Madrid. He’s already won the biggest trophy, the Champions League, several times, so he showed his ability there”.
Taking over as France coach has always appeared to be Zidane’s most likely next step and, after years of speculation, there will be no more obstacles in his way following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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