Zidane edges closer to France coaching role

18/07/2026

NEW YORK, July 18: French soccer icon Zinedine Zidane is closing in on a deal to become the new head coach of the national team, according to reports from ESPN and Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The expected appointment comes after Didier Deschamps’ departure following France’s elimination in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals against Spain, with Zidane now emerging as the leading candidate to take charge of Les Bleus.

ESPN reported that Zidane and French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo reached a verbal agreement in March 2026 for him to lead the team. The former Real Madrid coach is said to have rejected other offers from clubs and national teams as he waited for the France job.

The proposed contract would run through major competitions including the UEFA Nations League, Euro 2028, and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

The main issue delaying the agreement has been Zidane’s demands regarding his coaching staff. According to RMC Sport, he wants to bring a large backroom team of more than 25 members, including trusted assistant David Bettoni, while also pushing for increased female representation in the administrative and medical departments.

The French federation hopes to finalise the agreement and announce Zidane’s appointment before July 21.

However, negotiations have encountered a financial obstacle due to new salary regulations in France. Reports from L’Équipe and Marca state that a parliamentary committee recently approved a cap limiting the annual gross salary of senior officials at national sports federations to €450,000 (approximately $517,000).

The proposed limit is far below the salary previously earned by Deschamps, who was reportedly paid nearly ten times that amount.

The French federation is now working with Sports Minister Marina Ferrari to seek an exemption or legal solution that would allow Zidane’s compensation package to exceed the newly introduced limit.