France captain Kylian Mbappe has welcomed the idea of Zinedine Zidane taking charge of the national team once Didier Deschamps steps down.
Speaking in an interview with L’Equipe, Mbappe said Zidane’s stature in French football makes him the obvious choice.
“With him, there’s no need to make things complicated. He’s Zidane. No one is going to say no. Only he can do it,” Mbappe said. “If it’s him, OK! And if it’s someone else, OK too. But he’s the only one in the history of French football who has almost all the rights.”
Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012, led France to the 2018 World Cup title, a runners-up finish in 2022, and the Euro 2016 final. Earlier this year, he confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his last tournament as head coach.
Mbappe said he wants to finish on a high with the current coach. “I want to go all the way with him. The coach has left an indelible mark on the history of the French team. If we can give him this gift, with pleasure, because he’s a living legend. But the World Cup is the World Cup…” he added.
Zidane, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and enjoyed great success as Real Madrid coach, has not taken a managerial job since leaving the Spanish club in 2021. He has turned down offers from top Premier League sides and Saudi clubs, with many in France believing he is destined to succeed Deschamps.
Mbappe, who has started the season strongly with Real Madrid, scoring three goals in three league games, remains France’s key player as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
