Why Zinedine Zidane Is The Perfect Choice As France’s Next Coach

The Zinedine Zidane France coach story appears to be moving ever closer to becoming reality. 

Following France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Didier Deschamps’ remarkable 14-year spell in charge of Les Bleus is drawing to a close, with the French Football Federation widely expected to turn to Zidane as the man to lead the next generation.

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If the appointment is confirmed, it would feel less like a gamble and more like destiny. Zidane has long been linked with the France job, turning down several opportunities in club football while waiting for the role many believe was always meant to be his. With one of the most talented squads in international football already assembled, the former Real Madrid manager would inherit a team capable of competing for every major honour over the next decade.

It Is The Natural Next Step

Very few managers arrive at an international job with the emotional connection that Zidane has with France. As the architect of the nation’s greatest footballing triumphs as a player, he understands exactly what it means to wear the famous blue shirt and the expectations that come with representing his country.

His performances during France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup triumph and their UEFA Euro 2000 success elevated him beyond sporting icon status. He became a national hero whose influence stretched far beyond football. That history matters because international management is about more than tactics. It is about inspiring players to perform under enormous pressure, and few people are better placed to do that than someone who has already experienced those moments first hand.

Every member of the current France squad grew up watching Zidane. The respect he would command inside the dressing room would be immediate, something that cannot be underestimated when managing a team filled with global superstars.

His Record At Real Madrid Proves He Can Handle The Biggest Jobs

While Zidane’s legendary playing career is often the first thing people think about, his achievements as a coach are just as compelling.

Across two spells at Real Madrid, he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two LaLiga championships, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and multiple domestic honours. It remains one of the most successful managerial starts in football history and demonstrated that Zidane possesses far more than just a famous name.

Perhaps even more impressive was his ability to manage some of the biggest personalities the game has ever seen. Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Luka Modrić, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Marcelo all flourished under his calm leadership. Rather than relying on confrontation, Zidane built trust with his players and created an environment where elite performers consistently delivered when it mattered most.

That experience would be invaluable with a France squad boasting world-class talent in every area of the pitch.

France Already Have The World’s Most Talented Squad

One of the biggest attractions of the France job is that there is no rebuild required.

Kylian Mbappé remains one of the world’s most devastating forwards despite France’s disappointing exit in the semi-finals. Michael Olise has developed into one of Europe’s most creative attacking players, while Ousmane Dembélé is enjoying arguably the finest football of his career. Behind them, players such as Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni, William Saliba, Warren Zaïre Emery and Désiré Doué ensure France possess incredible depth for years to come.

For Zidane, the challenge would not be constructing a new team from scratch. Instead, it would be about finding the right balance and unlocking the full potential of a generation that many believe has underachieved relative to its immense talent.

France Need A Fresh Tactical Identity

Didier Deschamps deserves enormous credit for restoring France as a global powerhouse.

Since taking charge in 2012, he guided Les Bleus to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final, the 2021 UEFA Nations League crown and several deep runs at major tournaments. Few international managers have enjoyed such sustained success.

However, criticism of France’s playing style has become louder in recent years. Despite possessing arguably the most gifted attacking players in world football, Les Bleus have often been accused of relying too heavily on moments of individual brilliance rather than imposing themselves collectively.

That issue was highlighted once again during their semi-final defeat to Spain. France struggled to control possession, create sustained attacking pressure and cope with Spain’s organised pressing, raising fresh questions about whether a tactical evolution is needed.

Zidane offers exactly that possibility.

His Real Madrid sides combined technical excellence with tactical flexibility. They could dominate possession, attack in transition or defend deep depending on the opposition. Rather than forcing one philosophy onto every match, Zidane consistently adapted to the challenge in front of him.

That versatility could be exactly what France need heading into the next World Cup cycle.

He Has Been Waiting For This Opportunity

Unlike many elite coaches, Zidane has shown remarkable patience since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

He has been linked with Manchester United, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and several other high-profile clubs, yet none of those opportunities tempted him back into management. Throughout that period, speculation surrounding the France job has never disappeared.

Reports earlier this year suggested Zidane had already reached a verbal agreement to succeed Deschamps once the World Cup concluded, and following France’s elimination, expectations have only grown stronger that an official announcement is approaching.

For many observers, it feels like the perfect match arriving at exactly the right moment.

Replacing Didier Deschamps was always going to be one of the biggest decisions in French football history. His legacy is secure after delivering a World Cup, a Nations League title and more than a decade of consistency at the highest level. Yet every successful era eventually reaches its conclusion, and France now have an opportunity to begin another.

Zinedine Zidane is uniquely qualified to continue that success. He combines legendary status with a proven managerial record, understands the demands of elite football and has already demonstrated that he can guide world-class players to the biggest prizes in the game.

With Mbappé entering his prime, a new generation of stars emerging and the foundations already in place, France do not need a revolutionary appointment. They need the right leader to maximise one of the strongest squads in international football.

If Zidane does become the next France manager, Les Bleus will not simply be appointing a football legend.

They may be appointing the man capable of delivering the next golden era of French football.