Adidas–Nike rivalry could delay Zidane’s talks with the French FA | OneFootball

As the French Football Federation prepares for life after Didier Deschamps, negotiations surrounding their preferred successor Zinédine Zidane may already be encountering an unexpected hurdle. According to Le Parisien, the long-standing commercial rivalry between Nike and Adidas could complicate Zidane’s appointment.

Zidane has been tied to Adidas for decades, both as a player and an ambassador, while the FFF’s €100m-per-year contract with Nike runs until 2034 – one of the federation’s most lucrative revenue streams. Any agreement that brings Zizou into the national-team setup would require a clear arrangement between the parties, ensuring no conflict between the coach’s personal sponsors and the federation’s commitments.

Although nothing appears insurmountable, the FFF is keen to anticipate potential issues before entering formal talks. Zidane, who has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, recently hinted that he hopes to return to management “soon”, with July 2026 – after the World Cup – viewed as the natural transition point.GFFN | George Boxall