Zidane Set for France Return as National Team Manager

PARIS — French football legend Zinedine Zidane has verbally agreed to become the next manager of the France national team, according to sources close to the negotiations.

The 53-year-old World Cup winner, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, is poised to take charge of Les Bleus following Didier Deschamps' departure after the 2026 World Cup cycle.

Zidane's appointment represents a homecoming for one of France's most iconic football figures. The Marseille native captained France to their 1998 World Cup triumph and 2000 European Championship victory, cementing his status as a national hero.

His managerial credentials are equally impressive. During two spells at Real Madrid, Zidane became the first manager to win three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018) while also securing two La Liga championships.

The French Football Federation has been pursuing Zidane for months, viewing him as the natural successor to continue France's recent success under Deschamps. France reached the World Cup final in 2022 and won the Nations League in 2021.

Zidane's tactical flexibility and man-management skills, particularly with superstar players, make him ideally suited for international management. His ability to handle big personalities like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos suggests he'll have no trouble managing France's current golden generation.

The formal announcement is expected in the coming weeks once final contract details are finalized. Zidane's first matches in charge would likely be friendlies ahead of France's UEFA Nations League campaign later this year.

For French football fans, Zidane's return represents both nostalgia and ambition — a chance to reconnect with past glory while building toward future success with one of the most talented squads in world football.