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PARIS: Zinedine Zidane is poised to take over as head coach of France's national team following the 2026 World Cup.
The former star midfielder has expressed his readiness and excitement for the task, calling it a "dream" job.
Zidane, 52, was speaking on Monday at an event hosted by Adidas, his long-time sponsors, according to French media.
"I feel qualified for the French squad, where I played for about 12, 13, and 14 years. Of course, it is a dream. "I can't wait," said Zidane, a former Les Bleus captain who scored two goals in the team's 1998 World Cup victory.
Didier Deschamps, the French manager since 2012, was his midfield partner in the match as well as in France's Euro 2000 victory.
Deschamps guided Les Bleus to the World Cup in 2018, but he has stated that his rule would end after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Zidane led Real Madrid to three Champions League victories and two Liga crowns as a coach, but he has not taken another managerial post since his second stint at the club ended in 2021.
