Didier Deschamps is already preparing for what comes next. Just weeks before his announced departure after the 2026 World Cup, the France national team coach made a statement that has sparked plenty of discussion regarding his future successor: he is waiting for a sign from Zinedine Zidane.
Like a head of state organizing a smooth transition, Deschamps appears keen on a structured handover. Speaking to Ouest-France about the passing of responsibilities between national team managers, the 1998 World Cup winner suggested he would be willing to share advice with his replacement—but only under one condition.
A Potential Zidane Succession
“My successor would first have to ask me! It’s not up to me to make the first move,” Deschamps explained. He pointed out that Rudi Garcia had contacted him before taking charge of Belgium. “I stay in my place. Rudi Garcia reached out to me before becoming Belgium’s coach. Until then, he had only managed clubs. I spoke with him with great pleasure,” added Deschamps.
The comments sounded very much like a message aimed at Zinedine Zidane. Widely considered the favorite to take over the French national team after the World Cup, the former Real Madrid coach has never hidden his interest in the role. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, has already hinted at Zidane’s future appointment, although nothing has been made official yet.
Could the two 1998 World Cup champions meet to discuss the future of Les Bleus in front of the cameras? It seems likely, at least in part. A symbolic handover between Deschamps and Zidane would represent a historic moment for French football, and the French Football Federation is unlikely to pass up such an iconic image.
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