Zinedine Zidane, freshly appointed as the 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 came during a press conference on Monday morning, following Didier Deschamps' decision to step down after a long and decorated tenure.
Zidane, the former World Cup‑winning midfielder, has been out of a managerial post since he left Real Madrid for the second time. In that interval, his name surfaced in connection with several high‑profile vacancies across Europe, including the managerial vacancy at Manchester United. Yet, as he explained in his inaugural press briefing as France’s boss, he deliberately rejected each proposition. "In the last four or five years I received offers to take charge of clubs, and I turned them all down because my heart was set on the France national team," Zidane said.
"This is the only position I wanted to occupy after my spell at Real Madrid." He went on to describe how the French team had always occupied a dual place in his imagination – both as a devoted supporter and as a future manager. That personal connection, he said, is why he resisted the lure of a new club appointment.
"I told myself that after Real Madrid the only thing I wanted to do was work with the French national side. I kept away from those club offers, even though they were attractive projects that could have kept me busy for two or three years," he added. When Deschamps announced his intention to step down at the start of 2025, Zidane’s enthusiasm surged.
"The very next day I felt a strong urge to declare that I wanted to be his successor," he recalled. He met with the French Football Federation president in February 2025, a meeting that ultimately led to his appointment.
Zidane now inherits a period of success that Deschamps built over twelve years. Under Deschamps, France lifted the 2018 World Cup, captured the 2021 Nations League, and finished as runners‑up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
Zidane, however, is confident he can add his own chapters to that legacy. He reminded the federation of his own trophy cabinet: two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018. French FA president Philippe Diallo echoed Zidane’s confidence, saying, "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 guide us forward. When I met Zinedine in February 2025, after Deschamps' announcement, he said, ‘Mr President, I know how to win.’ That conviction convinced me he has the desire and belief to take the reins." Reflecting on Deschamps' era, Zidane praised the style and achievements of his predecessor. "The team's performance and playing philosophy were magnificent.
I was there, I enjoyed it, and I have no complaints about how things unfolded," he said. Yet he also signalled a willingness to imprint his own identity on the squad. "It's not a clean break," Zidane noted. "Deschamps is Deschamps, Laurent Blanc was Laurent Blanc, and Zizou is Zizou.
I will try to do what I know best while respecting the foundations that have been laid. Continuity is essential; I want the French team to keep winning." Addressing concerns about his lack of experience as a national‑team manager, Zidane was unequivocal: "There is no worry. Managing a country is a completely different job from club football, but it does not frighten me." He also spoke about balancing his personal life with the demands of the role. "It fits me perfectly.
It’s a different kind of job, and I have no issues with that. I didn’t sit around doing nothing for five years. I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid.
I followed the French side closely and saw huge potential." Zidane emphasized that the French squad is brimming with talent and that his job will be to harness that energy. "The players have extraordinary ability. My task is to organise them, give them confidence, and create a system where they can express themselves freely while staying disciplined," he explained. Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a roadmap that includes rebuilding the team’s tactical framework, integrating younger prospects, and maintaining the winning mentality that has defined French football in recent years.
He intends to blend his experience of high‑pressure European competition with the unique challenges of international tournaments, aiming to bring France back to the summit of world football. In summary, Zidane’s appointment marks a new chapter for Les Bleus. His decision to forgo lucrative club offers in favour of the national team underscores a deep personal commitment.
With a proven record of success at the highest level and a clear vision for the future, Zidane is poised to guide France through the next World Cup cycle and beyond, seeking to add his own laurels to the storied history of French football.