Replacing Didier Deschamps was never a consideration years ago. Those are the words from the former President of the French Football Federation (FFF). Noël Le Graët is reiterating his stance on Zinedine Zidane following his controversial remarks about the French legend in 2022. Prior to Deschamps’ contract extension following the conclusion of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the speculation was that Zizou would replace him as manager of the national team.
Zidane hasn’t managed since departing Real Madrid in 2021. With Deschamps leaving at the end of the 2026 World Cup, Le Graët says it’s unsurprising that Zidane is the man everyone expects will take his place.
“What is certain is that a name like Zidane is impossible to hide for a very long time,” he said.
After extending Deschamps in 2022, Le Graët took heat for saying that if Zidane had called him when the coaching position was reportedly open, he wouldn’t have taken his call. French captain Kylian Mbappé (26) was among those to call the then-President’s words disrespectful.
In terms of his resumé, Le Graët says that speaks for itself regarding Zidane. Le Graët says Zizou knows what he’s doing, noting his exceptional achievements with Real Madrid, including guiding them to three consecutive Champions League titles in his first stint with the Spanish giants. Le Graët says no one can deny he is qualified and capable of guiding the French team going forward.
