Zizou is back! Zidane ready to take over France after the World Cup

France appear set for a major managerial shake-up as reports suggest Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to take over as the next head coach of Les Bleus. The iconic former Real Madrid manager is expected to succeed Didier Deschamps once the 2026 World Cup in North America concludes.

Zidane has been out of the dugout since leaving Los Blancos for a second stint in 2021. In a decisive move for the future of French football, French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo has confirmed that the identity of the next national team coach has already been settled.

While Deschamps remains fully focused on the upcoming World Cup, the planning for the post-tournament transition has quietly been finalized behind the scenes.

In an interview with Le Figaro, Diallo explained that discussions with potential candidates have been ongoing to guarantee a seamless handover when the current era comes to an end.

The FFF chief had previously been careful not to overshadow Deschamps, but his latest remarks indicate that a formal plan is now firmly in motion. The frontrunner, unsurprisingly, is Zidane. Since leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021, the French legend has reportedly turned down numerous lucrative offers from leading European clubs and other national teams, holding out for the opportunity to lead his country.

Le Parisien reports that Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to assume the role. Diallo’s requirements for the position seem to align perfectly with Zidane’s profile, highlighting the need for someone who commands respect nationally and can manage the unique pressures associated with the job.

While the Zidane appointment now seems almost certain, Diallo had until recently kept the finer details confidential. His recent comments, however, have shifted the discussion from “if” to “when” the legendary No.10 will step into the hot seat.

"Yes, I know his name," the French Football Federation president admitted when asked about the next coach.

On the selection criteria, Diallo emphasized the need for a very specific type of leader. "It takes a profile that ticks many boxes and which can also be the subject of support from the French people, since this French football team is the team of the French people," he said.

Deschamps’ tenure has been marked by remarkable success, including guiding France to World Cup glory in 2018 and a second consecutive final in 2022. Yet he has already confirmed that the 2026 tournament will be his final appearance as the national team manager.