Didier Deschamps Ends Era as Zinedine Zidane Set to Lead French National Team
Didier Deschamps' long tenure as head coach of the French national football team, spanning from 2012 to 2026, is widely regarded as a success despite some early disappointments. Under his leadership, France transformed from a team marked by internal conflicts into a cohesive unit of talented, athletic players. Deschamps achieved a 71% win rate over 186 matches and secured France's second-ever World Cup title in 2018, notably defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina along the way. He also led France to the Euro 2016 final, a 2021 Nations League victory, the Euro 2024 semifinals, and a third-place finish in the 2025 Nations League, competing against top global teams like Spain, Portugal, England, and Germany.
Despite having one of the most talented player pools since 1998, Deschamps' ability to unify these individuals into a successful team is considered his greatest accomplishment. While some speculate whether another coach could have achieved more, previous coaches before Deschamps failed to reach similar heights. The French football federation and media widely expect Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 World Cup-winning captain and a legendary figure in French football, to succeed Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup campaign.
Zidane, who has declined several high-profile club coaching offers since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, reportedly kept his schedule open specifically to take over the national team. French media outlets, including Le Parisien and RMC Sport, report that a verbal agreement is already in place for Zidane to assume the role. Federation president Philippe Diallo has publicly praised Zidane's exceptional achievements, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, and has hinted at a well-planned transition.
Zidane's legendary status and immediate respect among players and fans make him the natural successor to Deschamps. However, the challenge remains for Zidane to elevate an already strong French squad further. The transition marks a significant moment in French football as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
