Zinedine Zidane, freshly appointed as the head coach of the French national side, disclosed that over the past five years he rejected a series of tempting offers from top clubs, insisting that his sole ambition was to take charge of Les Bleus. The announcement came during a press conference on Monday morning, following Didier Deschamps' decision to step down after a long and decorated tenure. Since leaving his second spell as Real Madrid manager, Zidane has been without a permanent role.
During that hiatus he was linked to a number of high‑profile positions, including a potential return to Manchester United, but he repeatedly turned those possibilities down. "In the last four or five years I received offers to manage clubs, and I refused them all because my heart was set on the France national team," Zidane told reporters in his inaugural briefing as Les Tricolores boss. "This is the only job I wanted to pursue after my time at Real Madrid." He explained that his fascination with the French side began long before he entered the coaching arena. "I have always viewed the France team not just as a fan, but as a future manager," he said.
"That is why I did not accept any club appointment. I could have taken on a great project for two or three years, but my goal was always the national team." When Deschamps announced his intention to leave the post at the start of 2025, Zidane said he felt a surge of excitement.
"The very next day I knew I wanted to be his successor," he recalled. "I met the federation president in February 2025, and that conversation led us to today." Zidane now inherits a French side that has enjoyed a remarkably successful era under Deschamps. In twelve years the team captured the 2018 World Cup, lifted the 2021 Nations League, and finished as runners‑up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
The French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo praised Zidane’s winning pedigree, noting his record at Real Madrid: two La Liga crowns and three straight Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. "I told him it is a huge honour and a great responsibility because the last few years have been spectacular," Diallo said.
"When he said, ‘Mr President, I know how to win,’ I understood he had the desire and confidence to lead us forward." Addressing the transition, Zidane was respectful of his predecessor while emphasizing his own approach. "The team's style and spirit were magnificent.
I was there as a fan and enjoyed every moment," he said. "There are no complaints about how things were done. We will do things differently, but we will also keep the continuity that has made France successful.
Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps, Laurent Blanc is Laurent Blanc, and Zizou is Zizou. I will try to do what I know best." He also stressed that moving from club to international management is not a source of anxiety. "It is a completely different job from club coaching, but it does not scare me," Zidane affirmed.
"I will find a balance between my personal life and the responsibilities of the national team. It suits me perfectly." During his five‑year break from active coaching, Zidane says he kept himself busy by studying the game. "I did not sit around twiddling my thumbs.
I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid," he explained. "I followed the French team closely and saw the huge potential that exists within the squad." Looking ahead, Zidane is confident that the talent pool at his disposal can sustain France’s status as a global powerhouse.
He highlighted the depth of the current generation, the blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars, and the tactical flexibility they bring. "The squad has enormous potential," he said.
"We will work on a style that reflects French football’s tradition of flair, discipline, and intelligence, while also incorporating the lessons I have learned from my years at the highest level of club football." Zidane’s first matches as France manager will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. The new coach promises to maintain the high standards set by Deschamps, while injecting his own ideas and philosophy.
With a clear vision, a winning mindset, and a deep affection for the national jersey, Zidane aims to guide Les Bleus into another era of triumphs on the world stage.