‘I look forward to it’ – Zinédine Zidane remains interested in managing France’s national team | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane has given the clearest hint yet that he still intends to take over from Didier Deschamps as France’s national team manager in the foreseeable future. Deschamps has already confirmed he will step up from his position after the 2026 World Cup in America. The former Marseille and Chelsea midfielder has managed France since 2012, leading Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League titles.

Given his status as one of the finest French players to ever grace the game and his record as Real Madrid manager, Zidane is the leading candidate to lead Les Bleus from 2026 and beyond. Still, Zidane has been a free agent for some time now. He resigned from his post as Real Madrid manager in 2021. Speaking at an Adidas event on Monday in Paris, the 52-year-old legend said he feels “legitimate” for the France job, reports L’Equipe. “Of course, it’s a dream of mine. I look forward to it.”

Given Deschamps remains fully in charge of Les Bleus with important fixtures coming up, such as the Nations League finals and the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds, Zidane has not fully thrown his hat into the ring our of the respect for his former France teammate, with which he won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 Euros. “I’ve always respected football and people, so it’s really not the right time“, Zidane said. “But when the time comes, if the opportunity arises, it will be with great pleasure.”

GFFN | Bastien Cheval