MAX SPORTS: Managers

Saturday, 17 January 2026

FRANCE FOOTBALL MAKES MOVE TO SECURE TOP MANAGER AMID REAL MADRID INTEREST

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

The future of Zinedine Zidane will be one of the key monitorables in 2026. The Frenchman, despite being regarded as one of the sought-after managers in world football, has remained a free agent since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.

It is widely believed that Zidane had been waiting to take over the reins from Didier Deschamps to become the coach of the French national team – his dream job.

After a wait of five years, Zidane’s dream could turn into a reality, with Deschamps expected to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

France football makes a move

However, Zidane has also been a subject of interest for Real Madrid, who are desperately looking for a new coach after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.

Although the club have hired Alvaro Arbeloa on an interim basis, it is no secret that president Florentino Perez has identified Zidane as his dream option.

Zidane could soon be headed for the French national team job. (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for EA SPORTS FC™ 25)

Keeping that in mind, France football appears to have made the first move to try and secure the services of Zidane, according to L’Equipe.

The French news outlet quotes Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who confirmed that finding a successor for Deschamps is the utmost priority.

The report adds that French football has already started the onboarding process of Zidane, notably by discussing his future staff with the French national team.

This will come as a blow to Real Madrid, who were keen on having Zidane lead the new era at Los Blancos.

But after waiting for five years, it is unlikely Zidane will entertain the offer from Real Madrid and looks likely to replace Deschamps after the World Cup.

- Anas Ali