Deschamps, Nagelsmann and Löw named as potential replacements for Mourinho at Real Madrid

Didier Deschamps is among the names being discussed in Spain as a potential successor to José Mourinho at Real Madrid, according to media outlet Fichajes. The former France manager is cited alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Joachim Löw, three coaches currently without a club.

Mourinho’s position is not yet officially under threat. Real Madrid has had a disappointing start to the season — two defeats in eight Liga matches — but the club has not initiated any departure procedure. The three names put forward are those of available coaches who could, according to Fichajes, enter the thinking of president Florentino Pérez if the situation were to change.

Deschamps himself had spoken with amusement, just days before the 2026 World Cup, about the recurring rumours linking him to Real Madrid. “I was put on candidate lists, on shortlists. My son told me that the problem was that I always ended up on the candidate list. Did I receive offers? Yes, obviously,” he told Marca.

His tenure as France manager ended after nearly 14 years, marked by a semi-final loss to Spain (0-2) and a defeat in the third-place match (4-6). At 57, the Basque coach opted for a sabbatical year before considering a new managerial challenge.

As a reminder, it was Mourinho who was chosen to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa — who himself arrived after Xabi Alonso’s departure — on the Real Madrid bench. Deschamps, Nagelsmann and Löw are therefore, at this stage, only potential and speculative candidates for a position that is not vacant.