Softfootball understands that Zinedine Zidane looks more and more like the man who’ll take over the France national team once the 2026 World Cup is done, even though his name keeps weirdly drifting back into Real Madrid rumours.
There’s still no official deal or anything signed, but sports expert Fabrizio Romano reports via his official X account that Zidane has basically made up his mind already. His preferred destination is France, simple as that, and the job opens right after Didier Deschamps steps down.
He said:
Despite speculation on Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane’s focus for future jobs remains on the France national team after the World Cup. Nothing signed at this stage but a clear plan.
Deschamps has reportedly confirmed he’s leaving after the World Cup. It feels like a natural handoff. Zidane hasn’t coached since he left Madrid in 2021, but he’s been surprisingly patient.
From Real Madrid’s perspective, a comeback doesn’t look very likely at the moment. Xabi Alonso, who has been under pressure, led Madrid to a 2–1 victory against Alavés in La Liga and then a 3–2 win over CF Talavera in the Copa del Rey. The team suddenly looks more organised, and the speculation about Alonso’s future has largely faded.
Zidane will always be a legend at the club where he won three Champions Leagues in a row.
There’s also something emotional pulling Zidane toward the national team. His last game for France, the 2006 World Cup final, ended in that red card everyone still talks about. Coming back now as manager, maybe even winning another World Cup, would feel like finishing a story he never fully closed.
Deschamps delivered the trophies for the 2018 World Cup, 2021 Nations League, but he’s taken heat for a cautious, almost too-pragmatic style. Some say players like Mbappé, Camavinga, and Koundé don’t look as free with France as they do for their clubs.
Zidane is expected to bring something fresher, a more attacking style to the team. His calm authority and the way he simplifies tactics could fit this new generation perfectly.
The official confirmation probably won’t come until after the 2026 World Cup, maybe mid or late that year. Until then, Zidane seems content staying in the background, not trying to push anything before its time.
