Zidane tipped to follow Deschamps as Les Bleus' next leader
Football fans in France have identified Zinedine Zidane as the best candidate to succeed Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. Both legends of Les Bleus led the team to victory in the 1998 World Cup. Now, Deschamps may pass the baton to "Zizou".
The vast majority of French national football team supporters believe that Zinedine Zidane should replace Didier Deschamps as head coach after the 2026 World Cup. These results stem from a survey conducted by the independent research institute Odoxa.
The French public, a year and a half before Deschamps' planned departure, has expressed its opinions on his achievements. In their view, Deschamps will leave behind wonderful memories.
The survey shows that 83 percent of French people have a positive opinion of the current manager and former captain of Les Bleus.
Respondents described Deschamps as competent (87 percent), likeable (80 percent), and unifying (77 percent). Three-quarters of respondents consider him an "exemplary coach". Although 57 percent described him as authoritarian, it is precisely this trait that has contributed to many successes.
As many as 70 percent of French people consider Deschamps the best manager in the history of the national team. In 2013, only 14 percent held a good opinion of the team, and now this percentage has risen to 70 percent.
Time for changes in the French national team?
Despite the successes, 62 percent of French citizens believe it's time to end Deschamps' 14-year tenure. Similarly, 75 percent of football fans feel the same. There is a noticeable "wearing out," particularly regarding the playing style of Les Bleus. Only 62 percent of French people find the current team style "pleasant to watch," and among fans, this percentage drops to 57 percent.
The name of Deschamps' successor is clear among the respondents. For 65 percent of Les Bleus fans, Zidane should take the reins. The following positions are held by Thierry Henry (12 percent), Arsene Wenger and Laurent Blanc (7 percent each), and Christophe Galtier (3 percent).
The 56-year-old Deschamps, a decorated former player, has led the French team since 2012. As a coach, he won the silver medal in Euro 2016, won the 2018 World Cup, and reached the World Cup finals four years later.
