Zidane reportedly nearing France coaching role amid salary cap dispute

Zinedine Zidane is reportedly on the verge of taking the helm as the new head coach of the French national soccer team. Reports from ESPN and Fabrizio Romano suggest a deal is close, following Didier Deschamps' departure after France's 2026 World Cup semi-final exit.

ESPN indicated that Zidane and French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo had a verbal agreement in March 2026. Zidane has reportedly turned down other offers while awaiting the France position, with a contract proposed to cover major tournaments through the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The main sticking point appears to be Zidane's request for an extensive backroom team, potentially exceeding 25 members, including his long-time assistant David Bettoni. He is also pushing for greater female representation within the administrative and medical staff.

The French federation aims to finalize and announce Zidane's appointment before July 21. However, a significant financial hurdle has emerged due to new salary regulations in France. A parliamentary committee recently approved a cap limiting the annual gross salary for senior officials at national sports federations to €450,000 (approximately $517,000). This proposed limit is substantially lower than Didier Deschamps' reported earnings, which were nearly ten times that amount.

The federation is now collaborating with Sports Minister Marina Ferrari to secure an exemption or find a legal pathway that would permit Zidane's compensation package to surpass this new cap. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether Zidane's highly anticipated return to French football management can proceed.