Zinedine Zidane has been consistently linked with Manchester United, but it seems that he is now ready to take a different job.
French football legend and coach Zinedine Zidane attends the podium ceremony of the women's Paris Major Premier Padel tournament.
Zinedine Zidane has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United (Image: THIBAUD MORITZ, AFP via Getty Images)
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Zinedine Zidane is reportedly on the brink of being appointed as France's new manager, with an announcement seemingly imminent. The ex-Real Madrid and Juventus star has been without a role since his second departure from the Bernabeu in 2021.
He has been linked with the managerial position at Manchester United, whilst being admired by the French national team. One stumbling block to the legendary Frenchman ever taking a job in the Premier League was that he doesn't speak much English.
And it now seems that Zidane could be poised to make a return to the touchline in the near future - putting to bed any rumours of a move to United or another club
Le Parisien reports that the 53-year-old has verbally agreed to succeed Didier Deschamps following this summer's World Cup in North America. France will be looking to go one better than last time around when they were beaten by Argentina in the final.
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Providing an update on the hunt for a new manager, French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo hinted that a formal announcement could be imminent. In an interview with Le Figaro, he said: "Yes, I know his name."
He added: "It takes a profile that ticks many boxes and which can also be the subject of support from the French people, since this French football team is the team of the French people."
The FFF head also confirmed they had received "fewer than five applications," with each applicant being French.
France are set to face Norway, Senegal and the winners of an Inter-Confederation playoff in this summer's World Cup group stage.
Zidane himself suggested earlier this season that a return to management was close. "It will happen soon. Very soon," he said.
Zinedine Zidane during the National Football League (NFL) 2025 Madrid Game, match played between Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders at Bernabeu stadium.
Zidane has said that he will return to management soon. (Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Zidane added: "I'd like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching."
Former teammate Nicolas Anelka had previously shared his thoughts on Zidane potentially taking charge of France, describing him as an outstanding candidate for the role.
He said: "I don't know if it's official, but I think it will be Zidane. Everyone says it will be him, and he's the best choice; he proved it at Real Madrid. He was a good coach. He will be a good leader for the French players."
Whilst Zidane is expected to return to management in the coming months, United still face a decision regarding the man in the Old Trafford dugout. Michael Carrick was appointed as Ruben Amorim's replacement on an interim basis until the end of the season.
He has made a strong impression with seven victories from ten Premier League matches - leaving the Red Devils in third place heading into the final international break of the campaign.