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

Didier Deschamps, who has managed the French national team since 2012, has confirmed that he will leave his role after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup in North America. Deschamps' replacement has not been announced yet but speculation is rife that Zidane could replace the outgoing France manager. Zidane has not coached a team since leaving the Real Madrid managerial role for the second time in 2021.

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.

Speaking to Le Parisien, 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.

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."

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.