The long-awaited homecoming is finally set. According to a breakthrough report from Fabrizio Romano (February 21, 2026), Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to become the next head coach of the French national team.
The Handover: Life After Deschamps
The timing marks the end of an era and the beginning of a legend’s return.
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The Exit: Didier Deschamps—France’s longest-serving manager and 2018 World Cup winner—officially confirmed back in early 2025 that he will step down immediately following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
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The Entrance: Zidane will officially take the reins in August 2026. While several elite clubs (including Manchester United, Juventus, and Bayern Munich) have spent the last four years trying to tempt him, “Zizou” has reportedly snubbed them all to wait for his dream job.
Why Zidane is the “Chosen One”
Zidane’s return to the Les Bleus setup isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about a resume that few in history can match.
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The Player: A World Cup (1998) and European Championship (2000) winner who defined a generation of French dominance.
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The Manager: The only coach to win three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016–2018) with Real Madrid.
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The Fit: With a squad led by veterans like Kylian Mbappé and a new wave of talent, Zidane is viewed as the unique figure capable of managing the massive egos and tactical demands of the world’s most talented pool of players.
The “Romano” Confirmation
While the FFF is maintaining public silence to ensure Deschamps’ focus remains on the upcoming World Cup, Romano reports that the “deal is sealed.”
“The situation is clear. There is a verbal agreement, and Zidane will be the new national team coach after the World Cup,” Romano explained.
Real Madrid Fallout: The Arbeloa Pressure
The news of Zidane’s return to coaching has sent shockwaves through Madrid, where Álvaro Arbeloa is currently fighting to keep his job. Following a 2–1 loss to Osasuna, fans at the Bernabéu have been seen chanting Zidane’s name, though his commitment to France effectively removes him from the running for a third stint at Real Madrid.