Zinedine Zidane is reportedly on the verge of becoming the next manager of the French national team, with a verbal agreement already in place to succeed Didier Deschamps after this summer's World Cup. The 53-year-old former Real Madrid boss has been out of work since leaving the Spanish club in 2021 and has been frequently linked with Manchester United, but now appears set to take the reins of Les Bleus.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to take over from Deschamps, who will step down following the World Cup. FFF president Philippe Diallo hinted at the appointment in an interview with Le Figaro, stating, 'Yes, I know his name,' when asked about the new manager. Diallo added that the ideal candidate must 'tick many boxes' and have the support of the French people.
Diallo confirmed that the FFF has received 'fewer than five applications' for the role, all from French candidates. Zidane had previously hinted at a return to management, saying earlier this season, 'It will happen soon. Very soon.' He also expressed his desire to coach the France team one day, stating, 'I will surely return to coaching.'
Former France international Nicolas Anelka, who played alongside Zidane, endorsed the potential appointment, saying, 'I think it will be Zidane. Everyone says it will be him, and he's the best choice; he proved it at Real Madrid. He was a good coach. He will be a good leader for the French players.'
France will face Norway, Senegal, and the winners of an Inter-Confederation playoff in the World Cup group stage. Meanwhile, Manchester United, who have been linked with Zidane in the past, appointed Michael Carrick as Ruben Amorim's successor earlier this season. Carrick has impressed with seven wins in ten Premier League games, leaving United third in the table.
