Zinedine Zidane's return to management is set in stone, according to a new report on the Real Madrid icon's situation.
Zidane has not returned to the dug-out ever since departing Real for a second time in 2021 following a trophyless season.
He hasn't been short of offers and reportedly rejected the opportunity to manage the United States at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But Zidane's next coaching gig is set to come following on from the showpiece in North America. The media in France have been reporting it for a while, but Jose Felix Diaz of AS claims that Zidane will take the Les Bleus job as soon as the tournament concludes.
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Didier Deschamps, who won the World Cup with France as both a player and a coach 20 years apart, will take charge for another major tournament next summer but it's noted that he has "an expiration date" that is quickly approaching.
He penned a new contract extension in January 2023, tying him down with the national team until July 2026.
However, having been in the role since 2012, he is not expected to extend his stay and it is claimed Deschamps and his agents have been exploring future options in Saudi Arabia.
Zidane will be waiting in the wings to manage a nation he represented 108 times, scoring 31 goals and winning the 1998 World Cup.
His mooted appointment is already "generating excitement" in France and comes after the Ballon d'Or winner told reporters his return to the touchline will happen "very soon".
What's more, Zidane spoke at the Trento Sports Festival last month and made no secret of his interest in managing France at some point.
"I'd like to be the head coach of the France team one day," he said.
"I will surely return to coaching."
A three-time Champions League winner as a manager, Zidane has spent his time away from coaching in various charity projects and attending sports events.
He was back at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday to watch the NFL's debut in Spain as the Miami Dolphins faced the Washington Commanders.
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, France
Josh Lawless