- Mbappe endorses Zidane to take over from Deschamps
- Explains why nobody will object French icon’s appointment
- Reveals what he aims to do before Deschamps steps down
Mbappe has provided his thoughts on the possibility of Zidane assuming managerial duties of the France national team and claimed that “no one will say no” to the legendary former player. The Real Madrid striker personally provided full approval for Zidane taking over the reins once current head coach Didier Deschamps calls it quits.
Deschamps took over the France job in 2012 and has already led the nation to World Cup glory in 2018, along with a runners-up finish in 2022. France also finished runners-up at Euro 2016, which proves that Deschamps has had a knack of guiding Les Bleus to the very end in major tournaments during his 13-year stint. However, in January this year, the 1998 World Cup-winning captain and current boss confirmed that the 2026 World Cup is “where it’s going to stop, because it’s got to stop at some stage.”
The circumstances are lining up perfectly for Zidane, who has not taken up management since calling time on his second stint at Real Madrid at the end of the 2020-21 season. He was reportedly offered “blank cheques” by Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United, while also garnering significant interest from the Saudi Pro League. The 1998 Ballon d’Or winner remains the overwhelming favourite to succeed Deschamps, though, due to his history, connections with the French players, as well as an impeccable managerial record.
In an interview with L’Equipe Mbappe gave his okay to Zidane replacing Deschamps next year. “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.”
While speaking about Deschamps, Mbappe revealed that he wants the 56-year-old coach to head out on a high. “I want to go all the way with him,” the captain asserted. “The coach has left an indelible mark on the history of the French team and it’s definitely an event that this is Didier Deschamps’ last in charge of the French team. You want to win it because it’s the World Cup, not because it’s Didier Deschamps’ last. If we can give him this gift, with pleasure, because he’s a living legend, but the World Cup is the World Cup…”
The French forward has started the 2025-26 season on fire, scoring three goals in as many games for Madrid and grabbing two more goals with his country to become France’s second-highest goal scorer of all-time. He will hope to continue delivering the goods on Saturday, as Xabi Alonso’s side face a tricky away trip at the Anoeta against Real Sociedad.
