Saudi Arabia Courting Didier Deschamps With Long-Term Coaching Proposal After France Tenure
French national team manager confirms contact with Saudi interests over post-World Cup role amid speculation of a lucrative multi-year offer
Didier Deschamps, the long-serving head coach of the France national football team, has acknowledged receiving interest from Saudi Arabian football authorities regarding a potential managerial role after he steps down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The discussions, confirmed by Deschamps in recent interviews, suggest that Saudi clubs and sporting bodies are keen to enlist the two-time World Cup winner to lend experience and stature to the rapidly evolving Saudi Pro League, where investment in elite coaching talent has been a priority.
Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus since 2012 and guided France to the 2018 World Cup title as well as the 2022 final, reiterated that his focus remains fully on completing his tenure with the national team through the 2026 tournament.
While he declined to disclose specific details of the approaches, he acknowledged that contacts had taken place and emphasised his openness to future offers once his contractual obligations with the French federation conclude.
The manager also dismissed other circulating rumours linking him to clubs such as Juventus or national teams like Brazil, making clear that he is not ruling out a move into club management but remains committed to France until his departure.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Deschamps follows a broader strategy by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund and domestic league clubs to attract top international football expertise, part of a sustained push to raise the profile and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League.
The prospect of a multi-year contract — reportedly extending up to eight years in some speculative reports — reflects Riyadh’s ambition to secure high-calibre leadership capable of developing talent and enhancing the league’s global reputation.
Although no formal offers have been confirmed publicly, the narrative underscores Saudi football’s growing influence and its willingness to invest in marquee figures as it seeks to build a world-class sporting landscape.
Observers note that Deschamps’ potential move could mark a significant shift in his storied career, taking him from a successful national team tenure into one of the most dynamic club environments in global football, provided both parties reach an agreement once his responsibilities with France conclude.
The discussions, confirmed by Deschamps in recent interviews, suggest that Saudi clubs and sporting bodies are keen to enlist the two-time World Cup winner to lend experience and stature to the rapidly evolving Saudi Pro League, where investment in elite coaching talent has been a priority.
Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus since 2012 and guided France to the 2018 World Cup title as well as the 2022 final, reiterated that his focus remains fully on completing his tenure with the national team through the 2026 tournament.
While he declined to disclose specific details of the approaches, he acknowledged that contacts had taken place and emphasised his openness to future offers once his contractual obligations with the French federation conclude.
The manager also dismissed other circulating rumours linking him to clubs such as Juventus or national teams like Brazil, making clear that he is not ruling out a move into club management but remains committed to France until his departure.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in Deschamps follows a broader strategy by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund and domestic league clubs to attract top international football expertise, part of a sustained push to raise the profile and competitiveness of the Saudi Pro League.
The prospect of a multi-year contract — reportedly extending up to eight years in some speculative reports — reflects Riyadh’s ambition to secure high-calibre leadership capable of developing talent and enhancing the league’s global reputation.
Although no formal offers have been confirmed publicly, the narrative underscores Saudi football’s growing influence and its willingness to invest in marquee figures as it seeks to build a world-class sporting landscape.
Observers note that Deschamps’ potential move could mark a significant shift in his storied career, taking him from a successful national team tenure into one of the most dynamic club environments in global football, provided both parties reach an agreement once his responsibilities with France conclude.
