Zinedine Zidane’s Ambition to Lead France’s National Team
Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager and a legendary figure in French football, has once again expressed his desire to one day take charge of the French national team. Known for his exceptional skills on the pitch, Zidane played 108 times for France and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the country’s history.
After resigning from his position as Real Madrid’s head coach in 2021, Zidane has remained away from the managerial scene. However, his legacy with the club remains unmatched, having secured three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in 2016, 2017, and 2018—making him the first manager to achieve this feat. During his tenure at Los Blancos, he also won two LaLiga titles and two Club World Cups, cementing his status as one of the most successful managers in European football.
Despite his impressive achievements, Zidane has not taken up any coaching roles since leaving Real Madrid. This has led to speculation about whether he will return to management or choose to retire after such a successful career. He has been linked with several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but no official deals have been announced.
At the Festival Dello Sport, Zidane addressed these speculations, stating:
“I will definitely return to coaching. I don’t know what the future holds for me. One of my goals is to coach the French national team. We’ll see.”
This statement has sparked renewed interest in Zidane’s potential return to the spotlight, especially given that current France manager Didier Deschamps is expected to step down after the 2026 World Cup. If Zidane were to take over, it could mark the beginning of a new era for the French national team.
Zidane’s Legacy at Real Madrid
Zidane’s time at Real Madrid was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the course of two spells, he managed 263 games, leading the club to numerous successes. His first spell from 2016 to 2018 saw the team win the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Club World Cup. His second stint from 2019 to 2021 was equally successful, with more trophies added to his collection.
However, Zidane’s departure from the club came with some controversy. He suggested that the club hierarchy had lost faith in him, which raised questions about the reasons behind his decision to step down.
Reflections on Past Opportunities
Two years ago, Zidane was heavily linked with a managerial role at Juventus, where he had previously played. At the festival, he admitted that he still doesn’t understand why the opportunity didn’t materialize. He added:
“I always keep that team in my heart because it gave me a lot.”
This reflection highlights the deep emotional connection Zidane still has with the club where his playing career began.
Future Prospects
With his ambitions clearly set on the French national team, fans are now wondering if Zidane will finally take the next step in his coaching career. Could he be the right person to lead France into a new chapter? What challenges might he face? And how would his leadership style differ from that of his predecessors?
As the football world watches closely, one thing is certain: Zidane’s journey is far from over, and his dream of managing the French national team continues to drive him forward.
