Zinedine Zidane will finally get to manage player he thinks will 'surpass everyone' in football if he takes new job

Zinedine Zidane could finally get to work with a player he admires and once tipped to "surpass everyone" if he lands his ‘dream’ managerial role.

Zidane, 53, is a living legend, having represented elite clubs such as Juventus and Real Madrid during his playing career, as well as helping France win the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.

The Frenchman is best known for his time at Los Blancos, during which he won six trophies, including La Liga in 2002/03 and the UEFA Champions League in 2001/02.

After his retirement in 2006, Zidane took a step back from the spotlight before then taking up a coaching role at Real Madrid’s academy in 2014.

By 2016, he was head coach of the senior side and led them to Champions League glory that year before winning La Liga the season after.

He left Real in 2018, only to return in 2019 to continue a trophy-rich spell – including three consecutive Champions League triumphs – in the club’s history.

Zinedine Zidane enjoyed two successful spells as head coach of Real Madrid (Credit:Getty)

However, since departing Los Blancos in 2021, he has been without a coaching role despite links with several clubs.

Zidane has often been linked with the France national team head coach’s role in recent years.

Current boss Didier Deschamps is due to step down from his position following the 2026 World Cup, and according to RMC reporter Gilbert Brisbois, Zidane will replace Deschamps.

Earlier this week, he said via Defensa Central: "Didier Deschamps will leave in 2026. In a year, we'll have Zidane! What a joy! It's done, it's decided."

When asked about managing his country earlier this year, Zidane told MARCA: “When the time comes, it will be a great pleasure if the opportunity arises. I've put my career on hold for a while, but I fully feel like a coach.”

And if he does get the job, ‘Zizou’ may finally get to work alongside Kylian Mbappe, whom he previously described as being good enough to “surpass everyone” during an interview with Telefoot in 2024.

Zinedine Zidane and Kylian Mbappe (Credit:Getty)

Mbappe has also made his feelings clear on Zidane, describing him as an “idol” when he spoke to TF1, via beIN SPORTS in March.

“He [Zidane] made history with the national team and will always have a place in the hearts of the French people,” Mbappe said.

“I try not to talk too much about this because it’s not my role. We already have a coach, and he deserves respect. My admiration for Zidane is well known, but we must respect those currently in charge. If he comes, it would be an immense pleasure, but it's not my decision.”