Deschamps, Nagelsmann and Löw mentioned as potential successors to Mourinho at Real Madrid

Didier Deschamps is among the names mentioned in Spain as a potential successor to José Mourinho at Real Madrid, according to media outlet Fichajes. The former France manager, available since the end of the 2026 World Cup, is cited alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Joachim Löw.

Mourinho’s position is not officially in question. Real Madrid has admittedly had a disappointing start to La Liga — two defeats in eight matches — but the club has not initiated a succession process. The three coaches mentioned have in common that they are available and have all served as national team managers.

Deschamps himself had spoken, with a certain irony, about the rumours linking him to the Madrid club. “I was put on candidate lists, on shortlists, I remember my son telling me about it as a joke, because it happened to me for two years. I left Juventus in 2007, I was on practically every candidate list, but my son told me the problem was that I always ended up on the candidate list,” he had told Marca shortly before the World Cup. When asked about any concrete offers, he replied: “Yes, of course,” without going into details.

His tenure as France manager, lasting nearly fourteen years, ended with a semi-final loss to Spain (0-2) and a defeat in the third-place match (4-6). Last spring, Deschamps was not in a position to consider an immediate move to Real Madrid, where the choice ultimately fell on Mourinho to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa — who himself arrived after Xabi Alonso’s departure.

At this stage, Deschamps’ name remains a speculative option among others, with no confirmation of contact between the parties.