Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly in line to become the next head coach of the France national team, with a verbal agreement said to be in place for him to succeed Didier Deschamps.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, sources close to the situation indicate that Zidane is not engaging in talks with any club or national side, as plans are already set for him to take over after the upcoming World Cup.
“Zidane’s currently not talking to any other club/national team, as there’s verbal pact for Zizou to take over at France NT after World Cup,” Romano wrote.
“Nothing signed yet out of respect for Deschamps as Didier will leave in July and Zidane is clear favorite.”
Deschamps, who has been in charge of France since 2012, guided the team to victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a second-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His current contract is expected to end after the next World Cup, and he has previously suggested he will step down following the tournament.
Zidane, now 53, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. During his time at the club, he secured three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles across two spells, cementing his reputation as one of football’s top managers.
As a player, Zidane remains one of France’s most iconic figures, having captained the national team to triumph at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euro 2000.
Although he has long been viewed as the natural successor to Deschamps, Zidane previously declined opportunities to take the role out of respect for the current coach. That same respect is reportedly being maintained by both Zidane and the French Football Federation as Deschamps prepares to conclude his tenure.
While no official contract has been signed, the reported verbal agreement places Zidane firmly as the leading candidate to take charge of one of international football’s most prominent teams once the World Cup concludes.
