Zinedine Zidane Tipped to Succeed Didier Deschamps as Team France Football Head Coach
Following Didier Deschamps’ historic 14-year tenure, the legendary playmaker is in pole position to coach Les Bleus.
Summary
Didier Deschamps is officially stepping down as head coach of the France national team after 14 years
Legendary playmaker Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to be confirmed as the federation's next manager
The managerial transition follows France's exit in the World Cup semifinals ahead of their third-place match against England
The French Soccer Federation is preparing for a monumental shift at the helm of its national team as Didier Deschamps prepares to step down after 14 years in charge. Iconic football legend Zinedine Zidane is currently in pole position to succeed Deschamps as the next head coach of Les Bleus.
Deschamps’ historic managerial run concludes following France’s tactical semifinal exit at the World Cup, setting up his final match on Saturday in a third-place playoff against England in Miami. Over his 14-year tenure, the 57-year-old manager led France to immense international consistency, highlighted by a World Cup victory in 2018 and a final appearance in 2022. Despite managing a star-studded generation featuring Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Antoine Griezmann, recent offensive limitations have prompted the federation to look toward a new tactical era.
Zidane, widely regarded as one of France’s greatest players and a three-time Champions League-winning manager with Real Madrid, stands as the natural choice to take over. Observers expect the 54-year-old tactician to introduce a more expansive, creative style of play centered around utilizing technically gifted talents. If confirmed by the federation in the coming days, Zidane’s debut on the touchline is anticipated for September 25 against Turkey in the Nations League, ending his five-year hiatus from management since leaving Madrid in 2021.
