Zinedine Zidane ‘verbally agrees’ to become France manager after World Cup

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take charge of the France national team following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

The 53-year-old is expected to succeed Didier Deschamps, whose contract expires after the tournament in North America.

Such a move would finally end long-standing speculation linking the former Real Madrid boss with a managerial role at Manchester United.

Waiting in the wings

Deschamps has been at the helm of Les Bleus since 2012, guiding the nation to World Cup glory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022.

However, there has been a growing consensus that his former international team-mate has been waiting for the position to become vacant.

Zidane has been out of management since ending his second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.

During his time in the Spanish capital, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner lifted nine trophies, including three consecutive Champions League titles.

The Premier League language barrier

Despite his hiatus, Zidane has been regularly touted as a potential candidate for the Old Trafford hot seat, most recently before Ruben Amorim’s appointment.

However, the French icon has previously suggested that a move to England was unlikely due to his command of the language.

Speaking to L’Equipe in 2022, he explained why he would hesitate to accept a job in the Premier League.

“Never say never. Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty.”

“That’s why I can’t just go anywhere. For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, ‘Do you want to go to Manchester [United]?’ I understand English but I don’t fully master it.”

While former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit recently suggested Zidane had been taking English lessons, this reported agreement with the French Football Federation appears to confirm his future lies in international football.