Didier Deschamps, the departing head coach of the French national team, is being considered as a potential candidate for the manager’s position at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
According to RMC Sport, the 57-year-old’s name is on the shortlist of possible new head coaches for the upcoming season.
Deschamps’ departure from his 14-year tenure as coach of Les Bleus has been set for the summer for some time. He will step down after the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, when his contract with the French Football Federation (FFF) expires. The former midfielder announced this decision in early 2025.
He later clarified that while he would be leaving his role as national team coach, his coaching career would not be over. «I am ending a long and wonderful period, but I am not retiring. The time after will be different and very good.» However, he indicated he would not move to another national association, stating, «You should never say never, but I cannot imagine myself being the national coach of another nation. I cannot imagine myself sitting on the bench for another anthem.»
Didier Deschamps Previously Coached Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille
Deschamps began his coaching career in 2001 with AS Monaco, impressively reaching the Champions League final with the club from the principality in 2004. In 2006, he became head coach at Juventus, where he had previously captained as a player, and led the club back to Serie A after the Calciopoli scandal. Between 2009 and 2012, he managed Olympique Marseille before taking over Les Bleus. His greatest achievement was winning the World Cup in Russia in 2018. Three years later, France also triumphed in the Nations League under his guidance.
A move to Real Madrid could lead to a delayed role reversal, as it is widely expected that former Blancos coach Zinedine Zidane will succeed Deschamps at the FFF.
Currently, Real Madrid is managed by Alvaro Arbeloa. The reserve team coach took over the professional squad at the beginning of the year following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso. The club has not specified the duration of the former right-back’s interim role. Given the prospect of a trophyless season, powerful club president Florentino Perez might be inclined to recruit a new manager for his star-studded team.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was long considered the hottest candidate but has clearly denied any interest. US national coach Mauricio Pochettino and Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri are also being discussed.
Should Real Madrid’s interest in Deschamps materialize, the record Champions League winners would certainly not be alone. According to RMC Sport, Deschamps and his representatives’ phones have been «hot for months.»
At the end of last year, there were reports of lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, but this is reportedly not an option for Deschamps. There are also rumors about a potential return to coach Juventus.
Didier Deschamps’ Record as French National Team Coach
| Matches | 177 |
| Wins | 115 |
| Draws | 32 |
| Losses | 30 |
| Goal Difference | 380:167 |
| Points Per Game | 2.13 |
| Titles | 2 |