Zinedine Zidane ‘agrees deal’ to replace Didier Deschamps as France head coach

Zinedine Zidane has reached a full agreement to take over as head coach of the French national team, according to high-profile transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, ending months of speculation over the World Cup winner’s next move.

Long-running saga reaches its conclusion

Romano, one of Europe’s most prominent reporters on transfers and managerial moves, said the deal between Zidane and the French Football Federation (FFF) is now complete, with the former Real Madrid coach set to succeed Didier Deschamps as boss of “Les Bleus”.

Posting on his official Facebook page, Romano gave what he described as a definitive update on the situation, stating that “Zizou” has given his full approval to all terms and conditions of the contract presented to him.

He added that a comprehensive agreement has also been reached over the make-up of Zidane’s backroom staff, who will accompany him in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched coaching tenures in international football.

Zidane turned down ‘several’ major clubs

According to Romano, Zidane had privately decided some time ago that his priority was to lead the national team of France, the country he helped inspire to World Cup glory in 1998 and a European Championship title in 2000.

The Italian journalist reported that the 52-year-old firmly rejected “several lucrative offers” from leading European clubs since December last year, choosing instead to wait patiently for the France job to become available.

Romano said Zidane gave his “initial green light” to the French national team project long ago, but was prepared to bide his time until an opportunity to manage his homeland came up, turning down other approaches in the process.

Backroom staff in place, signature ‘days away’

All arrangements regarding the technical staff who will work alongside Zidane have already been finalised, Romano said, clearing a significant hurdle in the negotiations.

The next step is expected to be largely procedural. The 1998 World Cup winner is anticipated to sign his contract officially in the coming days, once Deschamps completes his spell in charge and formally leaves the role.

Deschamps, who took the job in 2012 and led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the Euro 2016 final, is due to step down after the conclusion of France’s campaign at the 2026 World Cup.

Only after his departure is confirmed will Zidane be free to put pen to paper and be announced as the new head coach, Romano indicated.

A new era for Les Bleus

Zidane’s expected appointment will mark his first move back into management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, following a glittering spell in which he won three consecutive Champions League titles.

For the French Football Federation, securing the services of one of the country’s greatest-ever players and one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches would be seen as a major statement of intent ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

Romano’s report did not specify the length of Zidane’s contract or financial details, but suggested that the framework for his tenure, including the full coaching structure, has already been carefully prepared in anticipation of his arrival.