ESPN reported that Zinedine Zidane and French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo reached a verbal agreement in March for the former Real Madrid manager to take charge of Les Bleus. The development follows Deschamps’ exit after France fell to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals. Zidane rejected multiple offers from clubs and other national teams while awaiting the France position, according to the same report. Fabrizio Romano, an Italian transfer specialist, echoed the momentum toward an appointment.
The proposed contract would cover the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a span that aligns with Zidane’s ambition to lead the team through multiple major tournaments. RMC Sport reported that negotiations have centered heavily on Zidane’s request for a backroom staff exceeding 25 members, including his longtime assistant David Bettoni. The former midfielder has also advocated for greater female representation across administrative and medical roles within the setup. French federation officials hope to conclude talks and unveil the appointment before July 21.
A new salary ceiling for senior officials at national sports federations has complicated final terms. L’Equipe and Marca both detailed how a parliamentary committee approved an annual gross limit of €450,000, roughly $517,000. That figure stands far below Deschamps’ previous compensation, which approached ten times the capped amount. The federation is collaborating with Sports Minister Marina Ferrari to obtain an exemption or alternative legal pathway that would accommodate Zidane’s package.
Zidane’s managerial record includes three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during his first stint at Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018, a run UEFA statistics identify as unmatched in the competition’s modern era. He also claimed two La Liga crowns and the FIFA Club World Cup in that period. Such success has positioned him as the clear favorite to replace Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup victory and the 2022 final according to FIFA archives.
The French Football Federation has navigated increasing scrutiny over compensation practices amid broader governance reforms in French sport. A UEFA review of national team coaching salaries across Europe placed Deschamps among the highest earners prior to the new domestic cap. Zidane, who last managed in 2021 at Real Madrid, has maintained a low public profile while signaling his interest in the international role through intermediaries, multiple outlets noted.
Talks remain active on staffing composition and financial details even as both parties express optimism about resolution. The federation aims to avoid any disruption ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures later in 2026. Zidane’s potential appointment would mark a high-profile shift for Les Bleus as they rebuild following the World Cup campaign.
