Zinedine Zidane, the freshly appointed head coach of the French national side, disclosed that over the past five years he turned down a series of tempting job offers because his sole ambition was to lead Les Bleus. The announcement of his appointment came during a press conference on Monday morning, following Didier Deschamps' decision to step down after a long and successful tenure. Since his second spell as Real Madrid manager ended, Zidane has been without a permanent position for roughly half a decade. During that period, his name was linked to several high‑profile vacancies across Europe, including the managerial vacancy at Manchester United.
Yet, according to Zidane, none of those possibilities appealed to him. "In the last four or five years I received offers to take charge of clubs, and I rejected every single one because my heart was set on the France national team," he told reporters in his inaugural press briefing as France boss.
"This is the only role I wanted to pursue after my time at Real Madrid." He explained that the French side had always occupied a special place in his mind, not merely as a fan but as a future employer. "I have always viewed the national team through the lens of a supporter, but also as a potential manager.
That is why I chose not to sign with any club," Zidane said. "I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after leaving Real Madrid was to take the reins of the French side. I deliberately kept my distance from club offers, even though some of them were very attractive and could have kept me busy for two or three years." The turning point arrived when Deschamps announced his intention to leave after the 2025 World Cup. Zidane recalled that the very next day he felt a surge of excitement and declared his intention to succeed the long‑serving coach.
"When Deschamps said he would step down at the beginning of 2025, I immediately felt animated and said I wanted to be his successor," Zidane recounted. He added that he met French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo in February 2025, a meeting that ultimately led to his appointment. Zidane now inherits a team that has enjoyed a golden era under Deschamps.
Over a twelve‑year stretch, France captured the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League, while also finishing as runners‑up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Zidane reminded the federation that he, too, knows how to win trophies.
During his tenure at Real Madrid he secured two La Liga titles and, more famously, guided the club to three consecutive Champions League triumphs between 2016 and 2018. French FA president Philippe Diallo praised Zidane's confidence, recalling their conversation: "I told him it is a huge honour and a great responsibility because the recent years have been spectacular. We needed someone who could inspire confidence and steer us forward for the years ahead. When I met Zinedine in February 2025, after Deschamps' announcement, he said, 'Mr President, I know how to win.' At that moment I sensed his determination and belief that he could lead the team." When asked about succeeding Deschamps, Zidane was respectful yet clear about his own vision.
"The team's recent performances and style of play have been magnificent. I was there in person, I enjoyed it, just like the supporters. I have no complaints about how things have gone," he said.
"But we will do things differently. Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps, Laurent Blanc is Laurent Blanc, and Zizou is Zizou. I will try to apply what I know best.
It will not be a clean break; I want to preserve continuity so that France continues to win." Addressing concerns that this would be his first foray into national‑team management, Zidane stressed that the role suited him perfectly and that he felt no anxiety about the transition. "There is no worry," he affirmed. "Managing a national side is a completely different job from club coaching, and that does not frighten me. I will find a balance between my personal life and the responsibilities of the French national team.
It fits me well." He also highlighted how he has spent the past five years staying engaged with the sport, even without a formal position. "I did not sit around twiddling my thumbs. I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid.
I followed the French national team closely and saw a huge amount of potential," Zidane explained. "The squad is full of talent, and I am excited to work with these players." Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a broad roadmap for his tenure.
He plans to blend the attacking flair that French football is renowned for with the tactical discipline he cultivated at Real Madrid. He intends to give younger players a chance while maintaining a core of experienced leaders, ensuring a smooth generational transition. Moreover, Zidane emphasized the importance of mental resilience, citing the pressure of representing a nation that expects success on the world stage.
In summary, Zidane's appointment marks a new chapter for French football. By turning down club offers and patiently waiting for the national team role, he signals a deep commitment to France's footballing future. His track record of winning at the highest level, combined with his evident passion for the French cause, sets the stage for what many hope will be another era of triumphs for Les Bleus.