Zinedine Zidane, the newly appointed head coach of the French national team, 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 his inaugural press conference on Monday, following Didier Deschamps' resignation after a long and successful tenure. Since stepping away from his second spell as Real Madrid manager, Zidane has been out of a permanent coaching role for five years.
During that period, his name surfaced in connection with several high‑profile vacancies, including the managerial position at Manchester United and other elite clubs across Europe. Yet, as he explained, "In the last four or five years I received offers to take charge of clubs, and I refused them all because my heart was set on the France national team. This is the only job I wanted to pursue after my time at Real Madrid." Zidane emphasized that his fascination with the French side was not merely that of a fan but also that of a prospective manager.
"I have always viewed the national team through the lens of a supporter, but also as a future coach. That is why I did not accept any club assignments. I had attractive projects that could have kept me busy for two or three years, but my focus remained on the French jersey." He added that the decisive moment arrived when Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the 2025 World Cup cycle. "When Deschamps said he would leave at the start of 2025, I felt an immediate surge of excitement and told myself I wanted to be his successor," Zidane said.
"I met the federation president in February 2025, and that conversation led directly to this appointment." Zidane now inherits a side that has enjoyed a golden era under Deschamps. In a twelve‑year spell, France captured the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 Nations League, and finished as runners‑up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Zidane, however, reminded the French Football Federation that he also knows how to win at the highest level. As Real Madrid's manager he secured two La Liga crowns and, more notably, three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
French FA president Philippe Diallo praised the new appointment, stating, "I told him it is a great honour and a massive responsibility because the recent years have been spectacular for French football. We needed someone who could instill 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 self‑belief to lead the team." When asked about succeeding Deschamps, Zidane acknowledged the previous coach's achievements while stressing his own approach. "The team's style and momentum were extraordinary.
I was there, I enjoyed it as any fan would, and I have no complaints about how things unfolded. But we will do things differently. Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps, Laurent Blanc is Laurent Blanc, and Zizou is Zizou.
I will apply what I know best. It is not a clean break; I aim to preserve continuity so France continues to win." Zidane also addressed concerns about his lack of experience at the international level, insisting that the transition from club to country is a challenge he welcomes. "There is no anxiety. Managing a national side is a completely different job from club coaching, but it does not frighten me.
I will find a balance between my personal life and the responsibilities of the French team, and it suits me perfectly." He further explained how he spent the past five years staying engaged with the sport. "I did not sit idle.
I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid. I closely followed the French squad, observed their development, and recognized the immense potential that lies within." Looking ahead, Zidane outlined his vision for the team.
He intends to blend the tactical discipline that defined his Real Madrid sides with the flair traditionally associated with French football. He plans to integrate emerging talents from the youth academies, while also giving established stars the freedom to express themselves on the pitch.
"The squad has a deep reservoir of talent, and my job is to harness it, create a cohesive unit, and bring the winning mentality that I have cultivated throughout my career," he said. Zidane's appointment marks a new chapter for French football, one that combines the legacy of past successes with the fresh perspective of a manager who has proven himself on the biggest stages in Europe. As the team prepares for its upcoming fixtures, fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see how the legendary former player translates his winning pedigree into the international arena, and whether his long‑awaited dream of leading Les Bleus will materialise into another era of triumph.