Deschamps at the Doorstep: Will He Coach Al-Ittihad with Benzema and Kanté in Tow?

Deschamps Linked to Al-Ittihad

France head coach Didier Deschamps has opened the door to the possibility of taking a coaching role at a Saudi club, with Al-Ittihad understood to be pursuing him as a priority target.

French outlet L'Equipe notes that Al-Ittihad, home to Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kanté, is keen on bringing the France legend to the Saudi Pro League, while Deschamps reportedly remains focused on his duties with the national team and intends to decide his future after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In an interview with TF1 during the November squad announcement, Deschamps indicated he has received some calls from Saudi clubs but would not name any clubs or coaches involved. He stressed that once a decision is made, he will commit fully and will not back away from his path.

Deschamps has been in charge of the France national team since 2012, succeeding Laurent Blanc, and has overseen 173 matches with 111 wins, 32 draws and 30 defeats, scoring 368 goals and conceding 164.

His trophy cabinet includes the 2018 World Cup and UEFA Nations League 2021, along with runner-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, plus a bronze at the Nations League in 2025 in Germany.

Beyond the Saudi chatter, the coach faced a fresh obstacle ahead of the November camp as he had to adjust the squad for injuries and form concerns. In a notable development, Deschamps was forced to reconsider the forward line amid the ongoing debate around player availability and fitness.

Deschamps explained that he had received some calls from clubs in Saudi Arabia but would not disclose any names, reiterating that he would be completely focused once a decision is reached and that he would not back down from his commitments.

Historically, Deschamps has managed France for over a decade from the summer of 2012, taking the helm after the tenure of his predecessor. In total, he has led the national team in 173 matches, achieving 111 wins, 32 draws and 30 losses, while the team has scored 368 goals and conceded 164 under his guidance.

His tenure has brought major honors, including the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2021, along with a silver at Euro 2016 and a silver at the 2022 World Cup, and a bronze in the 2025 Nations League in Germany.

Off the field, a section of the narrative has revolved around his relationship with Karim Benzema. The veteran striker’s saga with Deschamps has been chronicled for years, marked by controversy and moments of strain that have drawn intense media scrutiny, even as Benzema enjoyed club success with Real Madrid and later joined Al-Ittihad.

In recent seasons, Benzema’s status with the national team has been a recurring point of discussion. The 2015 incident involving the Valbuena case led to Benzema’s initial exclusion, a rift that some argued was more about politics and optics than pure footballing logic. Deschamps has maintained that the decision was based on values and fit, a stance that has fueled debate for years.

As Benzema shone at Real Madrid and later for Al-Ittihad, the tension with Deschamps resurfaced at various junctures, including public hints and media speculation about his international future. Benzema ultimately retired from international duty, leaving fans to wonder whether a reconciliation is possible or even necessary for future squad plans.

Future Unclear

The question now centers on Benzema’s status with Al-Ittihad and Deschamps’s own horizon. The contract Benzema signed in 2023 runs through June 2026, but reports suggest the possibility of renewal, a quiet exit, or a return to Europe, perhaps with Benfica under José Mourinho, who is known for leveraging veteran firepower to refresh squads.

While Benzema has shown flashes of his former brilliance, this season has been marked by inconsistency and injuries, complicating long-term planning for both club and country. Off-field tensions with management have also colored the narrative, raising questions about cohesion and leadership within the squad.

All signs point to a decisive stretch in the coming months as analysts weigh the possibilities: stay in Saudi Arabia, continue the adventure in a new league, or seek a different European challenge, signaling a potential new chapter for a player who has shaped modern football’s landscape.

Humor break: If Deschamps takes the job, will Benzema finally learn to share the spotlight without sharing the headlines first? And if Benfica comes calling, maybe Mourinho will finally teach them how to defend a lead — by borrowing a calendar and keeping it for himself.