The French national team suffered a tough loss against a dazzling Spain (5-4) in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, reigniting discussions about the future of the Bleus' bench. Current head coach Didier Deschamps is set to step down after the 2026 World Cup, and Zinedine Zidane’s name is now echoing louder than ever as his likely successor.

Despite having stars like Kylian Mbappé, Dembélé, and Doué, France was unable to contain the Spanish attacking storm, led by a brilliant Lamine Yamal. The young Barcelona gem won and converted a penalty and constantly posed a threat down his wing. Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simón was also crucial in maintaining the lead during key moments.

Defensive errors, the absence of key players like Upamecano, Saliba, and Koundé, and a lack of sharpness during decisive phases left the French side out of the final. Their fragility stood in stark contrast to the freshness and precision of Luis de la Fuente’s squad, who will now face Portugal in Sunday’s final.

Zidane, the Natural Successor: “He’s Ready for Les Bleus,” Says Desailly

Amid the aftermath of the elimination, a respected voice stepped up in support of Zidane as the next head coach: Marcel Desailly. In an interview with Marca, the 1998 World Cup winner stated that “Zizou” is fully prepared to take on the challenge and that his arrival would represent a natural continuation of the Deschamps era.

“Zidane doesn’t make decisions based on money. He turned down million-dollar offers from Bayern Munich, English clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, and even from Saudi Arabia. He only wants to coach France,” Desailly declared. He also emphasized that the current coach has already started a generational transition with players like Cherki, Dembélé, and of course, Mbappé as the undisputed leader.

Though the defeat to Spain was painful, the French project remains one of the strongest on the international scene. The next big goal is the 2026 World Cup, but more and more voices are pointing to Zidane as the one who will lead the charge from the bench.

The future is at stake, and Zinedine Zidane seems destined to write a new chapter in the history of Les Bleus.