Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has said he would be delighted if Zinedine Zidane was trusted to manage the France national team.
Legendary player-turned-coach Didier Deschamps has announced that he will leave his post as France’s manager after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps has been serving as Les Bleus’ coach since July 2012, overseeing a whopping 165 matches so far and enjoying 106 wins. He famously led France to the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Announcing his decision to retire, Deschamps clarified that he was not tired or worn out, but had simply “done his time.”
He said:
“I am not tired or worn out, but I feel that I have done my time. All good things must come to an end.
“The French team is a very good thing because it represents twenty-five years of my professional life when I combine my two lives.”
Real Madrid Star Kylian Mbappe Would Be Delighted to Have Zinedine Zidane as France Boss
Since Deschamps’ announcement, Real Madrid and France legend Zidane has emerged as the outright favourite to become Les Bleus’ next manager.
The nation’s most sought-after player and long-time Zidane fan, Mbappe has discussed the potential appointment, saying he would be thrilled to have him as France boss.
Speaking to Le Parisien, Mbappe said:
“It isn’t me who decides (who succeeds Deschamps). I am trying not to talk about it too much. It isn’t my job and there is already a manager there. You have to have respect for the people that are already in place.”
The 26-year-old, however, reiterated that picking the next France coach was not in his job description.
Kylian Mbappé x Zinedine Zidane pic.twitter.com/CvMVOj5Jkj
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 18, 2025
“I no longer have to prove my love for Zidane but I think you have to respect the people that are here (Deschamps). If Zidane arrives, it would be a great pleasure. I would be extremely happy but it isn’t my decision.”
Zidane is one of the most successful coaches in football. The 1998 World Cup winner began his coaching career at Real Madrid in 2016. He took them to three consecutive UEFA Champions Leagues and a league title before stepping down in the summer of 2018. However, his retirement did not take, as he returned to the hot seat less than a year later to help Madrid out of a crisis.
He guided them to another league title in 2020 before announcing his retirement the following summer.
