Zinedine Zidane has reaffirmed his ambition to one day coach the French national team, saying he will “definitely return to coaching” but not immediately.
The former Real Madrid boss is widely regarded as the natural successor to Didier Deschamps.
French football legend Zinedine Zidane has confirmed his desire to manage the France national team one day, though he did not specify when that might happen or if he plans to replace current coach Didier Deschamps.
Speaking at an event organized by Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday, Zidane said he remains passionate about coaching and intends to return to management at some point.
“I will definitely return to coaching,” he said. “I’m not saying it will happen immediately, but what I want one day is to coach the national team.”
Zidane has long been tipped to take over the French national team once Deschamps, who has coached since 2012, steps down. Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final, but is expected to leave his role after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
French media have often described Zidane as the “natural successor” because of his deep understanding of the game, calm leadership style, and strong influence within French football.
Reflecting on his coaching journey, Zidane said passion and energy remain the most important qualities for success in football management.
“A coach must have passion for the game and the desire to share what he has within him,” he said. “The coach’s energy and motivation are crucial to a team’s success.”
Since leaving Madrid, Zidane has reportedly turned down several club offers, including from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, as he continues to wait for the right opportunity, particularly the chance to lead his home nation.
If appointed, Zidane would become the third former World Cup-winning player to coach France after Michel Platini and Didier Deschamps.
