Nicolas Anelka backs Zinédine Zidane to succeed Didier Deschamps after 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Nicolas Anelka has called for Zinédine Zidane to replace Didier Deschamps as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup.

“I do not know if it is already official, but I think it will be Zidane. Everyone says it will be him. He is the best option, he has already proved it at Real Madrid, with three Champions League titles as head coach,” said Anelka, speaking to Cadena SER.

The former striker, capped 69 times, was in Barcelona to attend the Students Nations World Cup, a student tournament organised by Lenny Evra, son of former France international Patrice Evra.

Anelka spent 1999-2000 at Real Madrid, and featured alongside Zidane 17 times for France.

For now, the French Football Federation has held back from any announcement. President Philippe Diallo intends to wait until after the next World Cup, from 11 June to 19 July, to allow Deschamps and his squad a calm build-up.

Deschamps, 57, will then step down after 14 years in charge, highlighted by the 2018 World Cup title.

Source: L'Équipe