French Football Federation President Sparks Controversy: Zidane Coaching National Team “False Anticipation”
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, stirred controversy regarding the possibility of Zinedine Zidane taking over as coach of the French national team after Didier Deschamps, describing it as a case of “false anticipation.” He also noted that Deschamps might leave his position before the 2026 World Cup.
Deschamps had confirmed last January that he would step down as France’s national team coach after the 2026 World Cup, and Zidane was widely expected to be his successor.
Zidane has not coached any team since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Multiple reports indicate that the French coach dreams of managing his national team and has turned down several offers to pursue this goal.
With Deschamps’ expected departure, many French fans believe Zidane’s time has finally come, and French media consider him the leading candidate to lead “Les Bleus” next summer.
However, in an interview with L’Équipe, Diallo dismissed the idea of Zidane’s imminent appointment as “false anticipation” and cast doubt on him taking over the French national team.
Diallo said: “Many things could happen, and not all of them are what people expect.”
He added: “I’ve said this before: I have a lot of admiration and respect for Zidane, both for what he contributed to French football and for what he has shown as a coach, winning titles. But everything has its time. Right now, we are preparing for the World Cup.”
The French Football Federation president also explained that the announcement of Deschamps’ successor could come before the World Cup, not after, as previously assumed.
