Zidane reaches verbal agreement to become next France Coach after World Cup

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has verbal pact to succeed Didier Deschamps, who is set to leave the role in July, according to transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, stated that Zidane is not currently in discussions with any other club or national team as the verbal pact is in place for him to succeed Didier Deschamps after the tournament.

“Zidane’s currently not talking to any other club/national team, as there’s verbal pact for Zizou to take over at France NT after World Cup,” Romano wrote on social media.

“Nothing signed yet out of respect for Deschamps as Didier will leave in July and Zidane is clear favorite.”

Deschamps, who has managed France since 2012, led the national team to victory in the 2018 World Cup and a runner-up finish in 2022. His contract is set to expire after the upcoming World Cup, and he has previously indicated that he would step down following the tournament.

Zidane, 53, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three consecutive Champions League titles across two separate spells.

A legendary figure in French football, Zidane captained the national team to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

The former Ballon d’Or winner has long been considered the natural successor to Deschamps, though previous opportunities to take the role were deferred out of respect for the incumbent manager.

Romano noted that both Zidane and the French Football Federation are maintaining that respect as Deschamps completes his final months in charge.

No contract has been signed, according to the report, with formalities expected to be finalized after the World Cup concludes. The verbal agreement, however, positions Zidane as the clear favorite to take over one of international football’s most prestigious roles.

The French Football Federation has not commented on the reports, and Deschamps has not publicly addressed his post-World Cup plans beyond previous statements indicating his intention to step away after the tournament.