Didier Deschamps, one of the most successful coaches in French football history, has made a stunning announcement that he will step down as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup. His decision to leave has sparked much debate within the football community: Is it the right time for Deschamps to go? And more importantly, will Zinedine Zidane, the former French footballing legend, be the man to replace him?
Deschamps’ tenure as the national team manager has been both remarkable and controversial. Having led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and to the final of the 2022 World Cup, he has etched his name in the history books. His decision to leave France after such success raises questions about his timing and what the future holds for Les Bleus. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Deschamps’ decision, the potential impact on the team, and the prospects of Zidane taking over as head coach.
Why Did Deschamps Decide to Leave France?
Deschamps’ decision to leave France after the 2026 World Cup has left many wondering whether he made the right choice. With a legacy that includes winning the World Cup as both a player and a coach, Deschamps is a highly respected figure in the world of football. His decision to stand down after the 2026 World Cup, potentially following his seventh major tournament in charge of the national team, signals a clear end to an era.
One of the key reasons behind this Deschamps decision to leave France could be his desire to go out on a high note. After overseeing a successful World Cup campaign in 2022, where France finished as runners-up, Deschamps might feel that it is the right time to step aside and allow the next generation to take the reins. It is also possible that the changing landscape of French football, particularly the aging squad and the departure of several key players, played a role in his decision.
The State of the French National Team
While Deschamps’ tenure has been largely successful, the team’s recent performance at Euro 2024 revealed cracks in the squad. France made it to the semi-finals but were eliminated by Spain in a disappointing defeat. Despite this achievement, Deschamps’ side was heavily criticized for their lackluster attacking play. In fact, the French team managed to score only one goal from open play throughout the tournament, which led many to question whether Deschamps’ tactical approach was still suited to the evolving needs of the team.
Julien Laurens, a French football expert, argued that Deschamps decision to leave France should have come after the 2024 Euros. Laurens believes that France’s defeat at the Euros felt like the end of a cycle, as the team was aging and some key players were either retiring or sidelined due to injury. The absence of players like Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, and Karim Benzema left significant gaps in the squad, and Deschamps’ reliance on older players had become increasingly problematic.
The Evolution of the Squad
Deschamps’ departure also comes at a time when the French national team is undergoing a period of transition. Players like Kylian Mbappé are still in their prime, but the overall core of the team has changed. The retirement of key figures like Lloris and Giroud, combined with the exit of experienced players like Pogba and Kante, means that Deschamps will have to rebuild the team with younger talents. While there is no doubt about the immense talent available to Deschamps, the challenge of managing a changing squad could have contributed to his decision to leave.
In addition, Deschamps faced challenges with some of the internal dynamics of the team, particularly with Mbappé’s apparent dissatisfaction with the national team setup. Mbappé had skipped two of the past three international breaks, and his relationship with the manager and the French Football Federation seemed strained. This, coupled with the unexpected retirement of Antoine Griezmann, made Deschamps’ role even more difficult.
Will Zidane Replace Deschamps?
With Deschamps announcing that he will leave after the 2026 World Cup, the natural question that follows is: who will succeed him as the French national team manager? The most obvious candidate is Zinedine Zidane, one of France’s most iconic players and a coach with an impeccable pedigree.
Zidane’s Strong Links to France
Zidane is a natural choice for many to replace Deschamps. As a player, Zidane was a key part of France’s World Cup-winning team in 1998 and their Euro 2000 triumph. His deep connection to French football and the national team makes him a beloved figure among the fans. Zidane’s playing career alone could make him a top contender, but his coaching achievements are also highly significant.
Zidane had a successful spell as Real Madrid’s head coach from 2016 to 2021, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. His ability to manage some of the world’s best players and deliver results in high-pressure situations has made him one of the most respected coaches in football. Many believe that Zidane’s next logical step is to take over as head coach of the French national team.
Laurens noted that it seems like Zidane has been waiting for Deschamps to step down, and many in French football see Zidane as the natural successor. “There is a very particular love story between him and the national team,” Laurens said. “He has a deep connection with French football, from his time as a player to his role in helping guide France to another World Cup final in 2006.”
The Zidane and Mbappé Connection
One of the most compelling reasons for Zidane to replace Deschamps is his special relationship with Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé is the future of French football, and having a manager who can build a strong relationship with him could be crucial for the success of the national team. Zidane, who nearly signed Mbappé for Real Madrid when the young star was just 13, has a longstanding connection with the player. Their bond is strong, and many believe that this could be a decisive factor in Zidane’s appointment as head coach.
In addition, Zidane’s history with the Mbappé family adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. Zidane was a key figure in welcoming Mbappé to the footballing elite, and this personal connection could play a crucial role in unifying the team under Zidane’s leadership. As Laurens pointed out, “It would make a lot of sense for the French federation to go with Zidane just for that relationship he has with Mbappé.”
Thierry Henry: A Contender for the Role
While Zidane is the overwhelming favorite to replace Deschamps, another name that cannot be ignored is Thierry Henry. Henry, a former France striker and one of the greatest players in the country’s history, is currently involved with the French national team setup as the Under-21 coach. He led the French team to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, though he resigned after the Games.
Henry’s experience, leadership qualities, and familiarity with the French squad make him a viable candidate. Laurens acknowledged that both Zidane and Henry are the standout contenders, though he believes Zidane’s time has come. “Thierry is younger than Zidane, and he will have another opportunity,” Laurens said. “I can easily see Zidane getting the job now, and Thierry will be next.”
The Future of the French National Team
With Deschamps decision to leave France, the national team enters a new chapter. The French Football Federation will now have to make a strategic decision about who will lead the team into the next generation. Whether Zidane or Henry takes over, the key to success will be how they manage the evolving squad and maintain the high standards set by Deschamps.
The Mbappé Factor
Ultimately, much of the future of the French national team will rest on the shoulders of Kylian Mbappé. The relationship between the new manager and Mbappé will be crucial in ensuring that France remains competitive on the international stage. Whether Zidane or Henry takes charge, building a strong bond with Mbappé will be essential for both the manager and the team.
Conclusion: Is Zidane Ready for the Role?
Deschamps‘ decision to leave after the 2026 World Cup marks the end of an era for the French national team. His legacy as one of the greatest managers in French football history is secure, but the future now looks bright with Zidane as the likely successor. Zidane’s deep connection to French football, his success as a manager, and his special relationship with Mbappé make him the ideal candidate to take over. The transition may bring challenges, but with Zidane at the helm, the French national team could enter a new golden era of success.
