Mbappe responds to rumors linking Zidane to France coach role following Deschamps’ planned departure
France head coach Didier Deschamps confirmed in January that he will step down after the 2026 World Cup. Now, as Kylian Mbappe makes his return to the national team, the star forward has addressed the growing rumors that link legendary Zinedine Zidane as a potential replacement for Deschamps.
Following a disappointing 2024 UEFA European Championship, rumors about Deschamps’ future began circulating. In an interview with French outlet Le Parisien, Mbappe shared his thoughts on the coach’s decision, offering some insights into the situation.
“He (Deschamps) didn’t confide in me about anything. It’s a personal decision, and it depends on him. When I make decisions like that, I don’t like to get too close to people, so I appreciate that they don’t do it either,” the striker stated. Asked about Zidane as a possible candidate to replace Deschamps, Mbappe avoided making any controversial comments.
“I don’t know who will succeed him. I know who you’re asking about, but I won’t talk about him because that’s not my role. There is a president of the Federation, and he is the one who will make that decision,” Mbappe said. “Everyone is talking about Zidane, so we won’t pretend we’re living in a cave and don’t know what’s going on, but it’s not for me to talk about it,” he added.
When asked if Zidane would be the best fit for the job, Mbappe made it clear that he holds the former Real Madrid manager in high regard. “It’s Zinedine Zidane!” he said. “But as I said, it’s Philippe Diallo (president of the Federation) who will decide. We’ll see what criteria he uses and what decisions he makes.”
Since Deschamps’ announcement in early 2025, no other name has been linked to the position with the same strength as Zidane’s. With nearly a year and a half left before Deschamps officially departs, France’s players may already be preparing for the possibility of the Real Madrid legend taking over.
Zidane, an ideal candidate for France
In his brief coaching career, Zidane has already proven his worth by leading Real Madrid to historic successes. The Frenchman guided the Spanish side to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, a feat never before achieved in soccer history.
One potential drawback is that Zidane has been out of management for over 1,400 days. However, as Marca reported in December 2024, Zidane is reportedly only interested in two coaching roles: Real Madrid and the France national team. This loyalty to his roots makes him an ideal candidate for the job, with his understanding of the French football culture setting him apart as a natural fit for the role.