Didier Deschamps believes Zinedine Zidane is a ‘very good candidate’ to replace him as France boss | OneFootball

In his first interview, since he announced his departure as France manager in 2026, Zinedine Zidane has been backed by Didier Deschamps as a potential candidate to replace him as the Les Bleus boss when the time comes for him to step down.

Deschamps announced his intention to step down from the international role in January. Although he won’t resign until 2026, speculation has already begun in regard to who will replace the World Cup-winning coach in the dugout at the Stade de France.

Zidane has been earmarked as the favourite to replace the former Marseille manager. The former Real Madrid boss has been selective when it comes to selecting his next job after leaving Los Blancos and it is thought the opportunity to manage his country is an appealing prospect to the Frenchman. However, the current Les Bleus boss did admit he doesn’t know whether he will want to take the reigns from him in 2026.

Speaking to L’Équipe, the France manager said, “Yes, of course, there is a lot of respect between us. We last saw each other in the summer of 2023, and we should see each other again next summer, for the same reasons. Zizou is a very good candidate, natural and I would add expected. Afterwards, I don’t know if he will want to become the manager.”

GFFN | Liam Wraith