PARIS – French football icon Zinedine Zidane has expressed a deep desire to take the reins of the French national team, calling the role a long-held dream and one he feels fully prepared for.

Speaking at a recent Adidas event, the 52-year-old football legend revealed his ambition to step into the position after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, once current manager Didier Deschamps steps down.

“I feel ready for the French team. I played there for over a decade—12, maybe 14 years. It’s a team that’s part of me. Coaching it would be a dream,” Zidane told the press.

A Legacy Ready for the Next Chapter

Zidane’s connection to Les Bleus runs deep. As a player, he famously scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final, helping France secure its first-ever title on home soil. He later played a crucial role in their Euro 2000 victory, cementing his place among the greatest midfielders in football history.

Now, over two decades later, he’s eyeing a return—this time on the sidelines.

Deschamps Era Nearing Its End

Current head coach Didier Deschamps, Zidane’s former teammate and midfield partner, has led the French team since 2012. Under his guidance, France lifted the 2018 World Cup and reached the final of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Deschamps has confirmed he will step down after the 2026 World Cup, opening the door for a potential Zidane succession.

Coaching Pedigree: From Real Madrid Glory to Future Ambitions

Though Zidane hasn’t managed a club since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, his coaching résumé is already elite. He famously led the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018—an unprecedented feat in the modern era—and secured two La Liga titles during his time at the helm.

Despite persistent links to top European clubs, Zidane has remained patient, seemingly saving himself for one specific challenge.

“I haven’t taken a job since 2021, but I’ve stayed close to the game. I’m waiting for the right project—and this, the French national team, is exactly that,” he hinted.

France’s Next Chapter May Belong to Zidane

Zidane’s potential appointment is already generating buzz among fans and pundits, many of whom see him as a natural successor to Deschamps. With his legendary status, tactical acumen, and strong rapport with French players past and present, Zidane could bring a fresh era to Les Bleus.

While nothing is official yet, the countdown to 2026 just became even more intriguing for French football—and for Zidane, the return to the national fold may be just around the corner.