Mbappe supports Zidane to lead the 'European giant'

09/09/2025 15:36:00 esportapi

Coach Zinedine Zidane is keen to take over as the new manager of the French national team once Didier Deschamps finishes his duties at the 2026 World Cup.

According to L’Equipe, Zinedine Zidane has long been closely monitoring the French national team, analyzing players and competitions to prepare for the day he officially takes charge. Many top stars, including Kylian Mbappe, have expressed their desire to work with the legend who won the 1998 Ballon d’Or.

The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, still wants Didier Deschamps, the current coach, to finish his term without extra pressure but is also considering other candidates like Thierry Henry. However, Zidane’s reputation, outstanding achievements, and special relationships with the players make him the almost certain candidate.

Mbappe ủng hộ Zidane dẫn dắt 'gã khổng lồ châu Âu' — Zidane is determined to wait for the chance to lead the French national team

Didier Deschamps will step down as head coach after the 2026 World Cup, concluding 13 years of leading France with remarkable success. Zidane, who has patiently awaited this opportunity since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, is regarded as the number one choice. Recently, the 53-year-old coach reportedly declined many attractive offers from Manchester United, Chelsea, and even a 100 million Euro contract from Al Hilal, driven solely by his passion to coach Les Bleus.

As a coach, Zidane left a strong mark by leading Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018) and one La Liga championship. He is also an immortal icon of French football, a hero of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories. Close associates say Zidane is well-informed about the profiles of players eligible for the national team and is quietly preparing plans for the future.

Meanwhile, Deschamps remains fully focused on the 2026 World Cup, aiming to end his tenure with a perfect finale. Once the 2026 World Cup concludes, all signs indicate that Zidane will officially assume the hot seat, turning the biggest dream of his career into reality.

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