Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS Zinedine Zidane's coaching return

Tom Weber

• 13 Oct 2025 20:46 BST
• 4 min read

News

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Zinedine Zidane is in line to replace Didier Deschamps as the head coach of the French national team.

The legendary former midfielder has been out of a job since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, having led the club to two LaLiga and three Champions League titles across his two stints.

Despite frequent links with vacant managerial positions over the past few years, Zidane has stayed away from the game, insisting that he would only make his coaching comeback for a select few jobs.

As time has gone on, the itch to return has seemingly grown. In his recent public outings, Zidane has made no secret of his desire to get back into coaching.

On Sunday, the 53-year-old confirmed that it is one of his 'goals' to manage the French national team. Like so many other things in his illustrious career, he is bound to achieve this objective.

Zidane to replace Deschamps

With Didier Deschamps set to step away from his role in charge of Les Bleus after the 2026 World Cup, Zidane is the favourite to replace his former teammate.

Indeed, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, it seems inevitable that Zidane will take the reins next summer. "Zidane remains the main candidate to take over to become the new manager of the French national team," the Italian confirmed on his YouTube channel.

"It's not just a desire, it's something that Zidane wants to do in his career, it's something that Zidane hopes to make happen as soon as possible... This is also one of the reasons why Zidane never really wanted to advance on discussions, for example, with English clubs."

Last month, France captain Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry both hinted that Zidane would be the man to replace Deschamps. “We all know who will be the new coach," Henry said. "You know it, and I know it. And I wish him the best.”

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