France boss Deschamps could reportedly face Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Pro League after 2026 World Cup

Didier Deschamps is entering his final months as head coach of the France national team, with his next move still unclear. With his tenure set to end after the 2026 World Cup, the long-time Les Bleus manager could reportedly end up facing Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League once the tournament in North America concludes.

The France boss has already confirmed that the upcoming World Cup will be his last in charge of Les Bleus, making it clear in an interview with Téléfoot that not even winning the trophy would change his plans: “That’s false, absolutely. From the moment I made my decision, and I’m not going to go back on it, that’s clear, I will be free once the agreed timeframe ends, and I’m not ruling anything out.”

Deschamps was also asked about the possibility of coaching in Saudi Arabia. “I may have had some contact, not specifically with them. I’m not going to give names, but they know my situation,” he said, while also shutting down rumors linking him to the Brazil national team.

Deschamps, linked with Al Ittihad

According to L’Équipe, Al Ittihad are targeting Deschamps as their next manager. The Saudi giants are enduring a tough 2025–26 campaign, and as they begin planning for next season, the World Cup–winning coach has emerged as their top candidate.

Al Ittihad have struggled this year after parting ways with Laurent Blanc, who was dismissed after 46 games following a loss to Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in September. The club then took the decision to appoint former AC Milan boss Sérgio Conceição, who signed a contract with the Saudi Arabian side until June 2028.

So far, the Portuguese manager has overseen seven matches, with Al Ittihad failing to regain the form that made them the reigning Saudi Pro League champions. Conceição currently records 3 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses with the team competing in the AFC Champions League Elite and the King’s Cup, but if results do not improve, his tenure could be cut short despite his long-term deal.

Deschamps has insisted he will decide his next job only after the 2026 World Cup, as his current focus is to secure France’s qualification during the November international break. Looking ahead to next season, a move to Saudi Arabia could reunite him with French stars Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, and potentially set up a touchline showdown with Ronaldo, not with Portugal, but with Al Nassr.