Reporters say Zinedine Zidane has agreed to take over as France manager after the upcoming World Cup, replacing his former teammate Didier Deschamps.
What happened
According to ESPN, Zidane, 53, has reached a verbal agreement with the Federation Francaise de Football to assume the national team role following this summer's tournament. The plan would see him succeed Didier Deschamps, who has been France's head coach since 2012.
Coaching résumé
Zidane is best known recently for his time in club management. He led Real Madrid in two separate spells, from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2021. For some time many observers expected him to eventually move into the France job, and this report suggests that transition is now set to happen after the World Cup.
Playing legacy
As a player Zidane left a big mark on world football. Highlights include:
- Ballon d'Or: Winner in 1998.
- FIFA World Player of the Year: Three-time winner, in 1998, 2000 and 2003.
- World Cup: Helped France win in 1998 and reach the final in 2006.
- 2006 final incident: He was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final after head-butting Italy's Marco Materazzi.
Where he has been seen recently
Zidane was photographed in Marrakesh on January 10, 2026, watching the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria. That appearance added to the sense that his return to a prominent football role is imminent.
For now the agreement is reported to be verbal. A formal announcement and official contract details have not been published at the time of the report.
