Zinedine Zidane, the newly appointed head coach of the French national side, disclosed that he turned down a series of tempting job offers over the past five years because his ambition was singular: to lead Les Bleus. In a press conference held on Monday morning, Zidane confirmed his appointment following the resignation of Didier Deschamps, and he used the platform to explain why he had remained unattached since his second spell at Real Madrid. Zidane’s coaching résumé includes a highly successful period at Real Madrid, where he captured two La Liga crowns and guided the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League triumphs between 2016 and 2018. Yet, after stepping away from the club in 2021, he found himself linked to several high‑profile vacancies across Europe, including the managerial role at Manchester United.
Despite the allure of such positions, the former World Cup‑winning midfielder said he consistently rejected them, insisting that his heart was set on the French national team. "In the last four or five years, I had offers to join a club and I refused them all for the France national team," Zidane said during his inaugural briefing as France boss. "This job is the only job I wanted to do after my career with Real Madrid." He went on to describe how the idea of managing France had been present both as a fan and as a prospective coach. "I've always seen the France national team in the view of a fan – but also as a future manager.
That's the reason why I didn't take on a new club team," he explained. The former midfielder added that he had been approached with attractive projects that could have kept him busy for two or three years, but he deliberately kept his distance, waiting for the right moment to step into the role.
The turning point arrived when Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the 2025 World Cup. Zidane recalled the instant that the news sparked his enthusiasm: "When Deschamps decided at the start of 2025 to step down after the next World Cup, the next day I was very animated to say I wanted to be his successor." Following that decision, Zidane met with French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo in February 2025. The meeting, according to Zidane, set the stage for his appointment. "So I met the president in February 2025 and it's led us to here," he said.
Zidane now inherits a French side that has enjoyed a remarkable era under Deschamps. Over a twelve‑year span, Les Bleus lifted the 2018 World Cup trophy, claimed the 2021 Nations League title, and reached the finals of both Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
The team’s style of play, characterized by disciplined defending and swift attacking transitions, has become a hallmark of modern French football. When asked about the expectations placed upon him, Zidane emphasized that his experience at the highest level has prepared him for the challenge. "I know how to win," he told Diallo, a sentiment that the federation president echoed. "When he said that, I knew he had the desire and the confidence to take charge of the team." Zidane also addressed the continuity between his predecessor and himself.
"The team's run and style of play were magnificent. I was there in person and had a great time, just like the other fans. There are no complaints about how things went," he said.
"Honestly, we're going to do things differently. Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps. Laurent Blanc was Laurent Blanc. Zizou is Zizou.
I'm going to try to do what I know how to do." He stressed that his aim is not to create a rupture but to preserve the winning culture while adding his own imprint. "It's not a clean break, either. I want to maintain continuity so that the French team keeps winning," he added. Regarding the shift from club to international management, Zidane dismissed any concerns.
He highlighted the fundamental differences between the two environments, noting that the national team role offers a distinct rhythm and set of responsibilities. "There's no worry," he said. "It's a completely different job from club coaching. It doesn't scare me." Zidane also spoke about balancing his personal life with the demands of the national team.
"I'll have a balance between my personal life and the French national team. It suits me perfectly. It's a different kind of job, and I have no issues with that," he explained. He reassured fans that he had not been idle during his five‑year hiatus.
"I didn't sit around twiddling my thumbs for five years. I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid. I saw a huge number of them. I watched the French national team a lot, and there is great potential," he said, underscoring his ongoing analysis of the squad and the broader football landscape.
Zidane’s vision for France includes leveraging the wealth of talent that spans multiple generations, from established stars such as Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann to emerging prospects like Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni. He intends to blend experience with youthful vigor, fostering a tactical system that maximizes the team's technical abilities while maintaining defensive solidity. In addition to on‑field tactics, Zidane highlighted the importance of mental resilience and a winning mentality.
He referenced his own experiences lifting trophies in Europe, noting that success is built on preparation, adaptability, and a collective belief in the mission. "Winning is a habit," he remarked, "and I intend to instill that habit in every player who wears the French shirt." The French Football Federation’s leadership expressed confidence that Zidane’s appointment will usher in a new chapter of sustained excellence. Philippe Diallo summed up the sentiment: "We needed to find the person to give us confidence to drive us down the same path for what I hope is the years ahead. When I met with Zinedine in February 2025, after the announcement of Didier, he told me: 'Mr President, I know how to win.'" As Zidane prepares for his first matches in charge, the French public watches with anticipation.
The upcoming fixtures will serve as the first real test of his ideas, his ability to manage star personalities, and his capacity to translate his club‑level success into the international arena. Whether he can replicate his Champions League dominance on the world stage remains to be seen, but his commitment to the role and his clear focus on France suggest a promising start to his tenure as Les Bleus' head coach.