Zinedine Zidane has revealed that every managerial opportunity that came his way over the last five years was turned down for one simple reason—his heart was always set on leading the France national team.
The French football icon was officially unveiled as the new head coach of Les Bleus on Monday, succeeding Didier Deschamps and beginning what many believe is the most anticipated managerial appointment in French football for years.
Despite being linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs during his time away from the touchline, including Premier League giants Manchester United, Zidane admitted he never seriously considered returning to club football.
His focus remained fixed on one destination: the France national team.
For the World Cup-winning midfielder, this appointment is not merely another coaching job. It is the fulfilment of a long-held ambition that dates back to his departure from Real Madrid.
Since leaving Real Madrid following his second spell in charge, Zidane has remained one of the most sought-after managers in world football.
His remarkable record in Spain, which included multiple UEFA Champions League triumphs and domestic honours, made him an attractive option for elite clubs searching for a proven winner.
Yet, while speculation linked him with vacancies across Europe, Zidane consistently resisted the temptation to return to management.
Explaining his decision during his first press conference as France boss, he made it clear that only one role could persuade him back into coaching.
“In the last four or five years, I had offers to join a club and I refused them all for the France national team,” Zidane said in his first press conference as France boss. “This job is the only job I wanted to do after my career with Real Madrid.
“I’ve always seen the France national team in the view of a fan – but also as a future manager. That’s the reason why I didn’t take on a new club team.”
Zidane’s emotional connection with the national team goes far beyond his legendary playing career.
Having inspired France to World Cup glory in 1998 and European Championship success two years later, the 53-year-old believes managing his country represents the highest honour available in football.
Rather than accepting lucrative offers elsewhere, he patiently waited for the opportunity he believed would eventually arrive.
“I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid was the French national team. I kept myself away from those teams. I had great projects, and could have done them for two or three years.”
His patience has now been rewarded.
Zidane also revealed the moment he realised his dream could finally become reality.
When Didier Deschamps announced at the beginning of 2025 that he intended to step down after the next World Cup, Zidane immediately recognised the opportunity.
Rather than waiting for events to unfold, he quickly made his ambitions known.
“But since Deschamps’ decision at the start of 2025 to step down after the next World Cup, the next day I was very animated to say I wanted to be his successor.
“So I met the president in February 2025 and it’s led us to here.”
Those discussions ultimately paved the way for one of international football’s most significant appointments.
Zidane now inherits one of the most talented squads in world football, filled with established stars and exciting young players capable of competing for every major honour.
Expectations will naturally be enormous given his legendary status as both a player and manager. However, his calm leadership, tactical intelligence and experience of winning on the biggest stages make him an ideal candidate to lead France into a new era.
Supporters will hope his appointment can build on the foundations established by Deschamps while introducing a fresh identity capable of delivering further international success.
For years, football fans wondered why Zinedine Zidane remained absent from the dugout despite receiving offers from some of the sport’s biggest clubs.
Now, the mystery has been solved.The French legend was never waiting for the right project—he was waiting for France.
With that opportunity finally secured, Zidane begins the next chapter of an extraordinary football journey, carrying the hopes of a nation determined to add more silverware to its rich international history.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
