Didier Deschamps has officially announced his decision to leave his position as the head coach of the French national football team following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The announcement, made during January 2025, has stirred considerable speculation about who will succeed him. A name often mentioned as his likely successor is Zinédine Zidane, the legendary former player and coach. Zidane has been considered by many as the 'natural' choice to take over the managerial role, particularly after Deschamps' significant contributions to French football.
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), addressed the media on RTL, highlighting the gravity of the situation. He confirmed Deschamps' contract remains active until the World Cup ends and emphasized the importance of respecting Deschamps during this transitional period. “I want to assure everyone. Didier Deschamps' contract runs until after the World Cup. Be assured there will be a high-quality coach,” Diallo stated, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the team during the remaining time with Deschamps.
The impending departure of Deschamps leaves many questions unanswered about the future of the French national team. With Zidane's name being floated around as the most viable replacement, the FFF is expected to handle the transition with care. Diallo appreciated the work Deschamps and his staff have done, indicating, “Today, there are people working with Didier Deschamps and his staff, and I think we must respect the deadlines. We are still more than 15 months away from the deadline.” These remarks not only underline the period before the coaching change but also signal to fans and analysts alike to watch closely as developments progress.
Deschamps, who took on the role of manager for the French team back in 2012, has been at the helm for nearly 14 years, leading the nation to notable success, including the celebrated 2018 World Cup victory. He remains the only Frenchman to have ever won the World Cup both as a player and as coach, establishing his legacy within the football community. His departure is seen as the end of an era; hence the FFF is expected to approach this change not just with urgency but also with respect for the accomplishments achieved under Deschamps' leadership.
While Zidane is seen as a frontrunner, Diallo’s responses leave plenty of room for speculation. “We will see,” he indicated when directly queried about Zidane's potential nomination. The president reassured supporters by stating, “I will be ready, and the team will have a great coach after the World Cup.” This somewhat enigmatic stance mirrors the sentiment of the footballing public, who are eagerly awaiting clarity on who will represent France going forward.
While debates about Zidane continue, it's also important to recognize Deschamps' leadership qualities and the impact he has had on nurturing talents over the years. His mentorship of players like Kylian Mbappé has warranted significant praise and is part of what many believe warrants patience during this transition. “We have worked together for many years, and I think it is important to respect the timeline,” Diallo reiterated, assuring fans and stakeholders alike of his preparedness for the selection process.
Reflecting on the past decade, expectations are high for the next manager, and whoever it may be inherited the weight of those accomplishments along with the dreams and aspirations of French football supporters worldwide. Zidane's credentials certainly make him appear fit for the role, from his historic playing days where he clinched the Ballon d'Or to his successful management stints, particularly with Real Madrid where he won multiple Champions League titles.
Phillipe Diallo's commitment to ensuring the French team continues to thrive establishes him as a stabilizing force during this uncertain time. The discussions leading up to the post-World Cup era are filled with excitement and suspense. “We will have exactly what we need for the France team at the right moment,” he confirmed. With the clock ticking, the spotlight will no doubt be on the FFF as they gear up for one of the most significant transitions in recent football history.
For Zidane, there may be interests aligned beyond just national leadership. Should he decide to step back from the spotlight and refrain from coaching, lucrative opportunities remain available as well. This scenario adds another layer to the conversation around his candidacy for the position, which, according to Diallo, won't be decided until the right time arrives.
Supporters and analysts anxiously await what promises to be not only the conclusion of Deschamps' impactful tenure but also the beginning of another chapter for the French national team. With key milestones approaching within the next year and beyond, the narrative of who will coach after Deschamps' departure remains at the forefront of discussions within the football community.