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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mbappe avoiding Zidane in Madrid</li><li>Zidane tipped to replace Deschamps as France boss</li><li>Deschamps to leave his job after 2026 World Cup</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Kylian Mbappe admits he's 'trying' to avoid Zinedine Zidane amid speculation over France & Real Madrid icon's next managerial role

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<p>Didier Deschamps, who has managed the French national team since 2012, has confirmed that he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/didier-deshcamps-step-down-france-boss-legendary-les-bleus-manager-2026-world-cup/blt73d646d5ee135693#cs3d55c953dbbdab5f" target="_blank">will leave his role after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup</a> in North America. Deschamps' replacement has not been announced yet but speculation is rife that <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/zinedine-zidane-handpicked-didier-deschamps-replace-france-boss-ex-real-madrid-coach-long-absence-game/bltd55f1d99e1e04abe#csddcc38e4f4597ec3" target="_blank">Zidane could replace the outgoing France manager</a>. Zidane has not coached a team since leaving the Real Madrid managerial role for the second time in 2021.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Amid rumours of Zidane taking charge of the national team, Real Madrid superstar Mbappe has admitted he is consciously avoiding the 52-year-old, who also resides in the Spanish capital. The current France captain also refused to comment on Deschamps' departure after 14 years and his possible replacement at the helm.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to <a href="https://www.leparisien.fr/sports/football/kylian-mbappe-et-lequipe-de-france-griezmann-a-decide-darreter-moi-je-vais-essayer-de-continuer-17-03-2025-4MX5Z4AYZNFCBBMJQZXLNNI6UA.php?ts=1742293323986" target="_blank"><em>Le Parisien</em></a>, Mbappe said when quizzed on Zidane: "[I’m] trying not to bump into him too much." The former Paris Saint-Germain forward also claimed he doesn’t want to feed “speculation” about the future managerial vacancy.</p><p>When further pressed on the subject, he added: "I know that you want me to speak about it but I won’t speak about him because it isn’t my role. There is a president of the federation and he will make the decision. Everyone is talking about Zidane and I won’t pretend that I’m living in a cave and don’t know what is happening but it isn’t for me to speak about it."</p>

WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPE SAID

<p>Mbappe will next be seen in action for France in the international break as they take on Croatia in a two-legged Nations League quarter-final tie.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

Kylian Mbappe admits he's 'trying' to avoid Zinedine Zidane amid speculation over France & Real Madrid icon's next managerial role | Goal.com

Kylian Mbappe has admitted that he is &quot;trying&quot; to avoid Zinedine Zidane amid rumours the Real Madrid legend could be in line to manage France.

Kylian Mbappe admits he&apos;s &apos;trying&apos; to avoid Zinedine Zidane amid speculation over France &amp; Real Madrid icon&apos;s next managerial role

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