Kylian Mbappé would be ‘extremely happy’ to see ‘idol’ Zinédine Zidane appointed France manager | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappé (26) has said that it would be a “great pleasure” if Zinédine Zidane was named manager of the Franc national team, whilst once again distancing himself from the decision-making process in an interview with TF1.

Speaking to Le Parisien, Mbappé was coy on the topic of Zidane. The former Real Madrid manager is the favourite to succeed Didier Deschamps as manager next year. Deschamps has already confirmed that he will leave his post upon the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Within this context, Mbappé told Le Parisien that he was going so far as to avoid running into Zidane, who also lives in Madrid, in order to prevent feeding rumours about the national team job.

Mbappé would be ‘extremely happy’ to see Zidane appointed

Speaking to TF1, the France captain did nonetheless admit that Zidane was his “idol” and said that he would be happy to see Zidane appointed as Deschamps’ successor. “It isn’t me who decides (who succeeds Deschamps). I am trying not to talk about it too much. It isn’t my job and there is already a manager there. You have to have respect for the people that are already in place,” he began.

Mbappé added, “I no longer have to prove my love for Zidane but I think you have to respect the people that are here (Deschamps). If Zidane arrives, it would be a great pleasure. I would be extremely happy but it isn’t my decision.”

GFFN | Luke Entwistle