French national team? Zidane is a very good candidate, but I don't know if he has the desire

The French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, has confirmed that his tenure as head coach of Les Bleus will come to an end after the 2026 World Cup, opening the door for a new successor.

Among the potential candidates, he acknowledged that Zinedine Zidane is a “very good” and “natural” choice to take over, though he remains uncertain about Zidane’s own willingness to accept the role.

In a joint interview with L'Équipe, Le Figaro, and Le Parisien, published this Friday, Deschamps spoke openly about his future, the evolution of the French national team, and the possible appointment of Zidane, who was his teammate both in the national team and at Juventus. While he did not definitively state what his next steps will be after the 2026 World Cup, he emphasized that the tournament will be his last as France’s head coach.

"Zizou is a very good, natural, and, I would even say, expected candidate. But I don't know if he has the desire," Deschamps admitted, underlining that Zidane, one of the greatest figures in French football history, has long been linked with the role. Zidane has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 and has often been rumored as a potential successor to Deschamps, though he has remained silent on his future plans.

Deschamps has been at the helm of the French national team since 2012, making him one of the longest-serving coaches in international football. Under his leadership, France experienced a golden era, winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2022 UEFA Nations League, and reaching the final of the 2016 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup. His ability to build a strong squad, integrate young talents, and maintain consistency at the highest level has made him one of the most successful coaches in France’s history.

Reflecting on his time in charge, Deschamps explained why he felt the 2026 World Cup set to be played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada was the right time to step down. "Everything has an end. And the French national team is something very special because it represents 25 years of my professional life. When I combine my two careers [as a player and a coach], it adds up to many years," said the former midfielder, who captained France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

His decision to step away from Les Bleus marks the end of an era, and discussions about his successor have already begun. While Zidane remains the most talked-about candidate, other names have also been mentioned as potential replacements, including France’s current assistant coach Guy Stéphan, PSG manager Luis Enrique, and former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann. However, Zidane’s status as a legend of French football and his success as a coach winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid make him the most logical option.

Despite his admiration for Zidane, Deschamps noted that it remains unclear whether Zidane actually wants the job. The former Real Madrid manager has been linked with several top club positions, including Manchester United and Juventus, and could still opt for a return to club management rather than taking on the challenge of leading a national team.

For now, Deschamps remains focused on his final years in charge of Les Bleus, with the immediate objective being the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. France will enter the competition as one of the favorites, boasting a squad filled with world-class talent, including Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Aurélien Tchouaméni.

As speculation around Zidane’s future continues, all eyes will be on Deschamps’ last chapter with France. Whether Zidane ultimately takes over or another candidate emerges, the French Football Federation faces a significant decision in 2026 a transition that will shape the next era of Les Bleus and their pursuit of continued international success.