Zinedine Zidane Confirms His Desire to Return to Coaching with a Focus on the French National Team

The former France and Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane has expressed his ambition to someday manage the French national team. After stepping down as Madrid’s manager in 2021, Zidane has yet to return to coaching but remains eager to do so.

During his tenure with Madrid, Zidane achieved remarkable success, winning three consecutive Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018), along with two La Liga titles and two Club World Cups. Despite his accomplishments, he left the club in 2021 amid reports that the hierarchy had lost faith in him.

Since his departure, Zidane has been linked with several high-profile clubs, including Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but has not committed to any position. Recently, he reaffirmed his intention to return to management, revealing a particular interest in coaching France.

Zinedine Zidane has revealed the one side he has his heard set on coaching when he returns to management

He stated at the Festival Dello Sport: “I will definitely return to coaching. I don’t know what the future holds for me,” adding, “One of my goals is to coach the French national team. We’ll see.”

Current France coach Didier Deschamps is expected to step down after the 2026 World Cup, potentially opening the door for Zidane to fulfill his aspiration.

Didier Deschamps (centre) will leave his role at France after the World Cup, potentially paving the way for Zidane to take over

Having managed Madrid in two spells totaling 263 games, Zidane’s trophy haul includes three Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, and two Club World Cups. He left Madrid after expressing discontent with the club’s hierarchy.

He also mentioned interest in managing Juventus, where he previously played, but admitted regret over why that move didn’t materialize, saying: “It hasn’t happened in the past, I made other choices. Juve is always close to my heart; they gave me so much when I first got there.”