GistReel

Zinédine Zidane has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager, according to reports by L’Equipe and Le Parisien.

The 52-year-old football icon has been a free agent since stepping down as Real Madrid manager in 2021, and he now has a chance to fulfill a long-held dream: leading Les Bleus.

Deschamps, who confirmed he will step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has paved the way for Zidane to step into the role.

Zidane himself has never hidden his ambition to coach the French national team. In a 2022 interview with L’Equipe, he expressed his deep connection to the team, saying:

“With France, it’s not over. Of course, I want it. I hope I’ll be there one day. When? It’s not up to me. But I want to close the loop with France. Playing for France is the best thing that happened to me.”

Zidane’s respect for Deschamps, his former teammate at Juventus and for France, meant he never pushed for the role while Deschamps was in charge.

Now, with the vacancy imminent, Zidane is reportedly the preferred choice of French FA president Philippe Diallo, who views him as the ideal candidate to boost the team’s popularity and maintain it competitive edge.

While other names, like Thierry Henry, have been mentioned, Zidane remains the frontrunner.