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 came during a press conference on Monday morning, following Didier Deschamps' resignation after a distinguished twelve‑year tenure. Zidane, a World Cup‑winning midfielder who last managed Real Madrid in his second spell at the helm, has been out of a permanent coaching role since 2020. During that hiatus, his name surfaced repeatedly in connection with some of the most prestigious vacancies in world football, including the managerial post at Manchester United.
Yet, as he explained in his inaugural briefing as France’s boss, he consciously rejected each proposition. "In the last four or five years I received offers from clubs, and I turned them all down because my heart was set on the France national team," Zidane said. "This is the only job I wanted to take on after my Real Madrid chapter." He went on to describe how the French team had always been more than just a fan’s passion for him—it was a future professional destination. "I have always viewed the France side both as a supporter and as a prospective manager.
That is why I did not accept any club role," he added. Zidane emphasized that his decision was not driven by a lack of attractive projects. "I could have signed with a top club and spent two or three years there, but after Deschamps announced in early 2025 that he would step down after the next World Cup, I felt a surge of excitement and immediately declared my intention to succeed him," he explained. He recounted his meeting with the French Football Federation president in February 2025, a conversation that paved the way for his appointment.
"I met the president in February 2025, and that meeting led us to this moment," Zidane said. Zidane now inherits a French team that has enjoyed a period of sustained success under Deschamps. In the 12‑year span, 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.
The new coach, however, is confident that his own record of winning will translate to the international arena. While guiding Real Madrid, he secured two La Liga crowns and, most famously, three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. French FA president Philippe Diallo praised Zidane’s appointment, noting the weight of the responsibility.
"I told him it is a great honour and a massive responsibility because the past few years have been extraordinary for French football," Diallo said. "We needed someone who could inspire confidence and continue the trajectory we have built. When I met Zinedine in February 2025, after Deschamps’ announcement, he said to me, ‘Mr President, I know how to win.’ At that moment I sensed his determination and belief in taking charge of the team." Reflecting on Deschamps’ legacy, Zidane was respectful yet clear about his own vision.
"The team's style of play and its journey have been magnificent. I was there, I experienced it as a fan, and I have no complaints about how things unfolded," he remarked. "We will approach things differently, but I will also preserve the continuity that 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." Zidane stressed that his transition from club to international management would not be a source of anxiety. "There is no fear," he affirmed. "Coaching a national side is a completely different challenge from club football, and I am comfortable with that.
It fits my life balance perfectly." He also highlighted the extensive preparation he undertook during his five‑year hiatus. "I did not sit idle.
I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid. I studied countless games, especially those of the French national team, and I see enormous potential in this group of players," Zidane explained.
Looking ahead, Zidane outlined several priorities for his tenure. First, he intends to maintain the tactical fluidity that has become a hallmark of French football, while integrating his own philosophy of attacking flair and disciplined defending. Second, he plans to nurture the next generation of talent emerging from France’s prolific academy system, ensuring a seamless pipeline of players ready to step onto the international stage. Third, he aims to foster a strong team spirit, emphasizing unity and collective responsibility, traits he believes were central to his successes at Real Madrid.
Zidane also addressed the upcoming fixtures that will serve as his early test. France’s first matches under his leadership will include a series of friendlies against top European sides, followed by the qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. He expressed enthusiasm about these games, viewing them as opportunities to assess the squad, experiment with formations, and build confidence.
In summary, Zidane’s appointment marks a new chapter for French football. By turning down lucrative club offers and focusing exclusively on the national team, he has demonstrated a rare level of commitment. His track record of winning at the highest level, combined with his deep understanding of French football culture, positions him as a strong candidate to continue the legacy of success that Deschamps built. As the world watches, Zidane’s next steps will be closely scrutinized, but his confidence, preparation, and clear vision suggest that France will remain a formidable force on the global stage.