Didier Deschamps faced with an XXL offer: pause or new challenge

After fourteen years at the helm of the French national team, Didier Deschamps ended his tenure after the 2026 World Cup. The 57‑year‑old coach, 1998 world champion, received a huge offer but says he wants to take time before any new challenge.

Fourteen years in charge of France, ending after the 2026 World Cup

During those fourteen years, Deschamps led the Bleus to victory in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and to a semi‑final of the 2026 World Cup, where France were eliminated by Spain. After the loss in the third‑place final against England, he left the role, ending his tenure.

Huge offers and family break

L’Équipe reports that the 57‑year‑old coach is now enjoying time with his family, between his secondary home in Brittany and his main residence in Cap‑d’Ail, on the heights of Monaco. He said he feels the need to breathe after so many years in the spotlight.

Deschamps says he is heavily courted, his name having circulated this summer on the side of Real Madrid and the Italian national team. An attractive proposal also came from Al‑Ahli, a Saudi club, in the form of a three‑year contract worth a total of €10 million net.

The Frenchman turned down the huge offer, preferring to wait for the project that will match his ambitions. On August 6, the Dutchman Marino Pusic was appointed head of Al‑Ahli, succeeding Fabrice Bocquet who had tried to persuade him.

Return prospects and new chapter for the Bleus

According to L’Équipe, Deschamps’s return to a bench is not expected before November, or even before the end of next season. It will all be a matter of opportunity and projects that align with his wishes, the daily paper notes. Unlike Zinedine Zidane, he will not wait five years to take up a role.

Zidane took over at the helm of France, opening a new chapter for the Bleus. Under his guidance, France reached the semi‑finals of the 2026 World Cup, falling to Spain, then lost the third‑place final against England.

Deschamps was recently spotted at a third‑division match between Concarneau and Caen, where he presented an award to the players. This appearance shows he remains connected to football while keeping a distance from daily pressure.

Thus, the huge financial offer contrasts with the coach’s desire to step back, emphasizing that his next challenge will be chosen carefully rather than dictated by urgency. The time devoted to his family and personal projects now appears to be the priority before any new bench.