France manager Didier Deschamps features on Real Madrid’s shortlist

France manager Didier Deschamps features on Real Madrid’s shortlist

This summer’s FIFA World Cup will be the swansong of Didier Deschamps’ exceptional 14-year stint as manager of the France national team. His next job could be at Real Madrid, according to a report from RMC Sport.

Deschamps led Les Bleusto World Cup glory back in 2018 and to the final of the 2022 edition. However, in January 2025, he announced that the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico would be his last in charge. He does not have any plans for retirement and is open to a return to club football.

Why is Deschamps on Real Madrid’s shortlist?

There could be an opening at Real Madrid come the summer. Xabi Alonso left the Spanish giants back in January and was replaced by former player Alvaro Arbeloa. Results, however, remain unconvincing. On the brink of elimination from the UEFA Champions League, Los Blancosare also on the back foot in the race for the La Liga title.

Deschamps, RMC Sportunderstands, is on the shortlist to replace Arbeloa at the end of the season. He is being considered by Real Madrid due to his man-management skills, his record of winning big tournaments, and the already established relationships with France internationals Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga, all of whom play their football at the Bernabeu.

Deschamps is not only attracting interest from Real Madrid, but also from other clubs across Europe and from the Gulf State of Saudi Arabia.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle