Zinedine Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid and has been heavily linked with the Manchester United job in the past, but the Frenchman is now supposedly close to taking his next role
Former French football player Zinedine Zidane arrives on stage during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024
Zinedine Zidane is supposedly being lined up to replace Didier Deschamps as France coach
(Image: Pool, Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane is reportedly "secretly preparing" to take over as France manager, quashing long-standing rumours linking him with the Manchester United role. With Didier Deschamps planning to step down as Les Bleus boss next year, Zidane appears to be a strong contender for his successor.
Deschamps, 56, announced in January that he would relinquish his national team duties after the 2026 World Cup in North America. The ex-Chelsea and Juventus midfielder has had an incredibly successful stint leading his country, guiding France to back-to-back World Cup finals and securing the trophy in 2018.
Meanwhile, rumours linking Zidane to the United job have been persistent over the years. The Ballon d'Or winner hasn't taken up a coaching position since his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021, and United have struggled to find a satisfactory replacement since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure 12 years ago.
Zidane, 53, claimed nearly every possible accolade during his time as Real manager, including two league titles, three Champions League trophies and two FIFA Club World Cups. This record has made him one of the most sought-after free agents in the market, and ongoing concerns about Ruben Amorim mean rumours of a move to United show no signs of abating.
However, L'Equipe (via The Mirror) revealed Zidane's attention was focused squarely on the France manager's position, which becomes available in less than 12 months' time. Numerous French supporters might welcome having a clear succession strategy, especially given the prospective candidate's legendary status within the nation.
"I feel legitimate in the French national team, where I played and spent almost 12, 13, or 14 years as a player," Zidane was quoted as saying at an Adidas event in May. "Of course, it's a dream. I can't wait.
Ruben Amorim speaks to the media
Ruben Amorim's future at Man United appears shaky after a tough start to the season
"There's a coach in charge, there's a team, and you have to respect all that, and that's what we do. I've always respected football and people, so it's not really the right time. But when the time comes, it will be a great pleasure if the opportunity presents itself. I put my career on hold for a while, but I feel fully a coach."
Deschamps holds Zidane in high regard and has previously praised his managerial abilities. Shortly after revealing his departure timeline, the current boss heaped acclaim on his fellow countryman.
"There is a lot of respect between us," he told L'Equipe in early 2025 when asked what he thought of the former Real chief potentially succeeding him as manager of France. "We saw each other last time in the summer of 2023, we should see each other again next summer, for the same reasons.
"Zizou is a very good candidate, natural and I would add expected. Afterwards, I don't know if he will want to."
Didier Deschamps and Zinedine Zidane of France during the European Championship match between France and Netherlands at Amsterdam Arena
Deschamps and Zidane were once France team-mates
Many United fans continue to back Amorim, hoping to see the ex-Sporting CP manager succeed at Old Trafford. The Red Devils finally secured their first victory of the season against Burnley just before the international break, but the last-minute triumph over the newly promoted team doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Amorim, 40, has been at the helm of United for less than a year, but his inability to elevate the club from a record low Premier League finish of 15th last season failed to impress many supporters. The early departure from this season's EFL Cup after a defeat to League Two side Grimsby also didn't help his cause.
In many respects, it seems logical for Zidane to shift his focus to international football after achieving so much at club level. Meanwhile, Amorim's United are taking things one game at a time and will return from the international break on Sunday with a derby clash against Manchester City.