French football legend Zinedine Zidane has expressed his long-standing dream of managing the France national team, though he stopped short of confirming any immediate plans to succeed current coach Didier Deschamps after the next World Cup.

The 53-year-old former Real Madrid manager, who famously led the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, made the revelation during an event organized by La Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy on Sunday.

“I’m sure I’ll get back into coaching,” Zidane said. “I’m not saying it’s going to happen now, but what I want one day is to coach the national team.”

Zidane’s comments have reignited speculation about his potential move into international management — a topic that has followed him since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021. Many French fans and pundits see him as the natural successor to Deschamps, given his legacy and deep connection to French football.

Renowned for his calm authority and tactical intelligence, Zidane remains one of the most influential figures in world football. His two iconic goals in the 1998 World Cup final helped secure France’s first-ever world title, and his transition into management saw him build one of the most dominant teams in modern European history.

“The most important thing is to have a passion for football and to pass on what you carry inside to your players,” Zidane added. “A coach plays a major role in his team’s success — I believe his energy and desire account for 80 percent of the outcome.”

Deschamps, who guided France to victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and to the Euro 2016 final, is widely expected to step down after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. When that time comes, Zidane is tipped by bookmakers and fans alike to be the leading candidate to take over the reins of Les Bleus.