Deschamps ready to take a job in November if the right project comes along

Didier Deschamps is not ruling out a return to the bench as early as this autumn. According to L’Équipe, the 56-year-old coach — who will turn 57 on October 15 — would be ready to accept a new challenge in November if a convincing offer materializes, while remaining open to waiting until summer 2026 if necessary.

Since his contract with France ended on July 31, Deschamps is enjoying a break between Brittany and the Côte d’Azur. But this rest period could be short-lived. Autumn traditionally represents a window conducive to managerial changes: first season assessments come in, results crises accumulate, and struggling clubs seek profiles capable of providing immediate guarantees. The two-time World Cup winner fits this brief perfectly.

This summer, his name circulated on several high-profile positions. In Europe, rumors linked him to the Italian national team as well as Real Madrid, without any concrete outcome. It was from Saudi Arabia that the most advanced approaches came: Al-Ahli, backed by the PIF sovereign wealth fund, reportedly submitted him with a substantial financial offer over three years, placing him at the top of a restricted list of candidates. Saudi officials ultimately opted for Dutchman Marino Pusic.

These summer moves nonetheless confirm that Deschamps’ stock remains intact on the high-level coaching market. Like Zinédine Zidane since his departure from Real Madrid in spring 2021, his profile is now systematically mentioned whenever a prestigious position opens up. The question is no longer whether an offer will come, but whether it will arrive in time for a return before the end of the year.