Thierry Henry drops huge hint on identity of next France manager as Didier Deschamps prepares to step aside after 2026 World Cup

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Zinedine Zidane will become the next France boss, taking over from Didier Deschamps, according to Les Bleus and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Henry has dropped an enormous message regarding who'll take over as France's boss when Didier Deschamps steps down, as expected, after next year's World Cup. And it's Zidane, who helped Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 1998 and European Championship triumph in 2000, who'll be taking over. 

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THE BIGGER PICTURE

Deschamps' time will end after the next tournament in USA, Mexico and Canada following a successful spell at the helm, during which France became world champions in 2018 and landed the Nations League crown in 2021. They were also runners up at the European Championship in 2016 and at the World Cup in 2022. Zidane won stacks of silverware while manager at Real Madrid during two spells, including three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.

WHAT HENRY SAID

Speaking in a CBS press conference, Henry said: "We all know who the new manager will be. You know it, I know it, and I wish him all the best."

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WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

Les Bleus boast a squad packed with generational talent, from Kylian Mbappe to Ousmane Dembele, meaning whoever takes over from Deschamps will be blessed with a group that can compete against the very best. Time will tell whether Zidane can translate his club management talents onto the European and world stage.