Mbappé supports Zidane for France manager post after Deschamps' planned departure

Kylian Mbappé expressed his admiration for Zinedine Zidane, stating he would be 'extremely happy' if Zidane is appointed as the next manager of the French national team after Didier Deschamps steps down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While acknowledging the speculation surrounding Zidane's potential candidacy, Mbappé emphasized that the decision is not his to make and reiterated the need to respect Deschamps' current role. Mbappé has been deliberately keeping his distance from Zidane to avoid fuelling rumors about the managerial position, asserting that he is focused on his responsibilities as a player. Despite the swirling rumors, he declined to comment directly on Zidane's suitability, highlighting that the final decision lies with the president of the French Football Federation. The anticipation surrounding Zidane's possible return continues to grow as Deschamps prepares to conclude his tenure. This situation reflects a broader discussion on leadership within the French national team as they look towards future competitions.