In a major development, Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport reports that current France manager Didier Deschamps is on Real Madrid’s shortlist for the next season.
The former French international is out of contract with Les Bleus after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the summer and is being monitored by Los Blancos as a potential managerial candidate.
Deschamps to Real Madrid?
After 14 years in charge of the French national team, Deschamps will leave his role after the 2026 World Cup this summer.
While his successor is almost certain, with former Real Madrid player and manager Zinedine Zidane expected to take over from him, there are few indications about what Deschamps will do once he steps away from the national team.
Several clubs, in Europe and beyond, are interested, and Real Madrid have also included Deschamps on their shortlist.
Despite the strong relationship between Florentino Perez and Alvaro Arbeloa, it will be difficult to keep him in the role without significant success, and at present there is little optimism.
After all, Los Blancos are staring at a potentially trophyless campaign, as they are currently seven points behind Barcelona in La Liga and are trailing Bayern Munich 1-2 in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
In this context, Real Madrid have begun to draw up a list of potential managers capable of leading a difficult project, with Deschamps’ name featuring on the list.
What works in Deschamps’ favour
As per the report, Deschamps is highly regarded at Real Madrid for three main reasons. First, he is a strong leader, something he has demonstrated throughout his career at clubs such as AS Monaco, Juventus and Marseille, as well as with the French national team.
At a club like Real Madrid, where managing personalities is as important as tactical work, this is a significant asset.
Secondly, he knows how to win. He won the League Cup with Monaco and reached the Champions League final in 2004, then secured the French league title with Marseille in 2010, ending an eight-year wait.
After leading Juventus back to Serie A, he achieved major success with France, including victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reaching the final in 2022, further enhancing his already strong reputation.
Finally, and importantly, he has strong relationships with key French players who hold important roles at Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappe and Aurélien Tchouaméni are notable examples. In addition, Deschamps speaks Spanish, which strengthens his profile.
For all these reasons, Real Madrid have included him among their shortlisted candidates. An elimination in the Champions League against Bayern Munich could accelerate the process of replacing Arbeloa.
At present, Deschamps does not wish to discuss his future. Those close to him indicate that he is keeping all options open. With interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, he is not short of opportunities.
