French football legend Zinedine Zidane is poised to become the next head coach of France national football team after reaching a verbal agreement with the Fédération Française de Football (FFF), ESPN reported.
The 53-year-old is expected to succeed long-serving manager Didier Deschamps following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to Deschamps’ 14-year tenure in charge of Les Bleus.
Deschamps’ departure has long been anticipated in French football circles, with Zidane widely regarded as his natural successor. The former Real Madrid CF boss has been out of management since leaving the Spanish giants in 2021 after two highly successful spells.
Zidane, a World Cup winner in 1998 alongside Deschamps, had reportedly been waiting for the opportunity to lead the national side. While the agreement is in place, the final details—primarily concerning his coaching staff and backroom setup—are yet to be finalised before a formal contract is signed.
FFF president Philippe Diallo recently hinted that a successor had already been identified, telling Le Figaro: “I know who it is,” without naming Zidane publicly.
As a player, Zidane remains one of France’s greatest icons, winning the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and leading his country to World Cup glory the same year. He also guided France to the 2006 World Cup final, where his career ended in dramatic fashion following a red card in the final against Italy.
Zidane’s appointment is expected to mark a new era for France, with the former midfield maestro set to take charge of one of the world’s most talented squads on the international stage.