Didier Deschamps on Real Madrid's radar for next season

With his 14-year tenure at the helm of the French national team set to conclude after the 2026 World Cup, Didier Deschamps has emerged as a prime target for Real Madrid to take over as head coach. According to RMC Sport, the Merengues are navigating a period of instability and view the experienced manager as a solution for the future.

The Blancos have struggled to recapture their former glory since Carlo Ancelotti's departure in June 2025. The gamble on Xabi Alonso, who arrived last summer from Bayer Leverkusen, failed to pay off, with the coach being dismissed just seven months later. His successor, Álvaro Arbeloa, in charge since January, risks ending the season without any significant silverware, making his continued presence unlikely despite his good relationship with president Florentino Perez.

Amidst this uncertainty, the Madrid board has already compiled a list of potential successors. According to the French publication, this list includes the French national team coach, who will leave the Bleus in the summer, with Zinédine Zidane being the most probable successor. Deschamps is reportedly being courted by several European clubs, as well as teams from Saudi Arabia.

Deschamps' profile particularly appeals to Real Madrid officials for three main reasons. Firstly, his proven ability to lead and manage dressing rooms filled with big egos, demonstrated at Monaco, Juventus, Marseille, and, of course, with the French national team.

Secondly, his extensive track record of success. Deschamps knows how to win: he was French champion with Marseille in 2010, led Monaco to a surprising UEFA Champions League final in 2004, where they lost to FC Porto, and orchestrated Juventus' return to Serie A. With France, he won the 2018 World Cup and was a finalist in 2022 against Argentina, solidifying his reputation.

Finally, the coach's good relationship with key figures in the Madrid squad, such as Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, along with his Spanish language proficiency, are considered significant advantages. Although Deschamps, still under contract with the French federation, is reluctant to discuss his future, sources close to the process, as reported by RMC Sport, indicate that the coach is open to all scenarios and will have the freedom to choose his next challenge.

A potential elimination of Real Madrid from the Champions League against Bayern could accelerate the process of Arbeloa's succession, making the Deschamps dossier one of the most intriguing to follow in the coaching market.