Zinédine Zidane Emerges as Overwhelming Favourite to Succeed Didier Deschamps as France Coach
The French football landscape is buzzing with anticipation as Didier Deschamps prepares to step down as the head coach of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. A recent survey conducted by Odoxa for Winamax and RTL reveals that the French public overwhelmingly supports Zinédine Zidane as his successor.
The survey, conducted online between January 8 and 9, 2025, polled 1,005 individuals aged 18 and over, including 389 self-proclaimed football fans. It highlights the immense respect for Deschamps, who has been at the helm as 2012. An remarkable 83% of respondents hold a favorable opinion of him, with 87% praising his competence. His winning culture (77%) and teamwork (75%) were also lauded, with 74% crediting him for enhancing the image of Les Bleus.However, 62% of respondents believe his departure is a positive step for the team, a sentiment that rises to 75% among football fans who anticipate a fresh approach under a new coach. Enter Zinédine Zidane, the former French midfield maestro and Real Madrid legend, who is the clear favorite to take over. A staggering 65% of the general public and 71% of football fans want to see Zidane at the helm.
The gap between Zidane and other potential candidates is striking. thierry Henry and Arsène Wenger trail far behind, with 12% and 7% support, respectively. Laurent Blanc, Christophe Galtier, and bruno Genesio also received mentions, but none came close to Zidane’s popularity.A separate consultation on L’Équipe’s website mirrored thes results, with 72.35% of 23,339 voters backing Zidane, compared to 9.98% for Genesio and 6.85% for Henry.
Deschamps’ legacy is cemented, with 70% of French peopel considering him the best coach in the history of French football. Yet,the nation is ready for a new chapter,and Zidane appears to be the chosen one to lead Les Bleus into the future.
Key Survey Findings
Table of Contents
| Category | Percentage |
|—————————–|—————-|
| French people with a good opinion of Deschamps | 83% |
| Deschamps’ competence rating | 87% |
| Support for Zidane as successor (general public) | 65% |
| Support for Zidane as successor (football fans) | 71% |
| Deschamps as best French coach in history | 70% |
as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, all eyes are on Zidane, whose potential appointment could mark a thrilling new era for French football. Will he accept the challenge? Only time will tell.
Zinédine Zidane: the People’s Choice to Led France into a New Era
As Didier Deschamps prepares to step down after the 2026 World Cup, the French football community is abuzz with speculation about his successor. Recent surveys reveal overwhelming support for Zinédine Zidane, the legendary former midfielder and Real Madrid coach, to take the reins of Les Bleus.We sat down with football analyst and historian, Pierre Moreau, to discuss the implications of this potential transition and what it means for French football.
Interview with Pierre moreau
Senior Editor: Pierre, thank you for joining us today.The survey results are quite striking—65% of the general public and 71% of football fans want Zinédine Zidane to succeed deschamps. Why do you think Zidane is the clear favorite?
Pierre Moreau: Thank you for having me. Zidane’s popularity stems from his incredible legacy both as a player and a coach. As a player, he was the heart and soul of the French national team, leading them to their first World Cup victory in 1998. As a coach, he achieved unprecedented success with Real Madrid, winning three consecutive Champions League titles. The French public sees him as someone who embodies excellence and understands the weight of leading Les Bleus.
Senior Editor: that makes sense. But what about the other candidates? Thierry Henry and Arsène Wenger, for example, are also highly respected figures in French football.Why do they trail so far behind?
Pierre Moreau: It’s true that Henry and Wenger are legends in their own right, but they lack the recent coaching success that Zidane has. Henry’s managerial career has been relatively modest so far, and Wenger, while a visionary, has been out of the coaching game for a few years. Zidane,on the other hand,is fresh off his triumphs at Real Madrid and has a proven track record of managing top-tier talent.
Senior Editor: Engaging. The survey also shows that 62% of respondents believe Deschamps’ departure is a positive step, with that number rising to 75% among football fans. Why do you think there’s such a strong desire for change?
Pierre Moreau: Deschamps has been an incredible coach—there’s no doubt about that. He’s led France to a World Cup victory and a Nations League title, and his competence is widely respected.But after more than a decade in charge, there’s a sense that the team needs a fresh outlook. Football is a dynamic sport, and sometimes a new voice can reinvigorate a squad. Fans are eager to see what Zidane,with his unique approach,can bring to the table.
Senior Editor: Speaking of Deschamps, 70% of French people consider him the best coach in the history of French football. How do you think his legacy will be remembered?
Pierre moreau: Deschamps’ legacy is secure. He’s not only one of the most triumphant French coaches but also one of the most consistent. He’s managed to maintain a high level of performance over a long period, which is incredibly arduous in international football. His ability to foster teamwork and a winning culture has been remarkable. However, every era must come to an end, and it seems the French public is ready for the next chapter.
Senior Editor: do you think Zidane will accept the role if offered? And what challenges might he face?
pierre Moreau: That’s the million-dollar question. Zidane has always been selective about his roles, and coaching the national team is a massive duty. If he does accept, he’ll face the challenge of living up to the sky-high expectations. The French squad is incredibly talented, but managing egos and maintaining harmony in a national team setup is different from club football. That said, if anyone can handle it, it’s Zidane.
Senior Editor: Pierre, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that this is a pivotal moment for French football, and Zidane’s potential appointment could indeed mark the beginning of an exciting new era.
Pierre Moreau: Absolutely. The countdown to 2026 is on, and all eyes will be on Zidane and the future of Les Bleus. Thank you for having me.
