Zinedine Zidane, newly 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 the resignation of Didier Deschamps. Since stepping away from his second spell as Real Madrid manager, Zidane has been out of active club employment for half a decade.
During that period, his name surfaced repeatedly in connection with some of the most prestigious positions in world football, including a rumored return to Manchester United. Yet, according to Zidane, none of those possibilities swayed his resolve.
"In the last four or five years I received proposals to take charge of clubs, and I rejected every single one because my heart was set on the France national team," Zidane explained in his inaugural press briefing as France boss. "This is the only role I wanted to pursue after my tenure at Real Madrid." He went on to say that, while he has always been a passionate supporter of the French side, he also envisioned himself eventually becoming its manager. That vision, he insisted, is why he deliberately avoided any new club assignment.
"I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid was to coach the French national team. I kept my distance from club projects, even though I had several attractive offers that could have kept me busy for two or three years," he added.
The turning point arrived when Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the 2025 World Cup. Zidane said the news sparked an immediate desire to succeed the long‑serving coach. "When Deschamps said he would leave at the start of 2025, I felt a surge of excitement the very next day and declared my intention to be his successor," Zidane recalled.
"I met with the federation president in February 2025, and that meeting paved the way for today’s appointment." Zidane now inherits a highly successful era. Over Deschamps' twelve‑year reign, France captured the 2018 World Cup, lifted the 2021 Nations League, and finished as runners‑up at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Zidane, meanwhile, boasts an impressive résumé from his time at Real Madrid, where he secured two La Liga crowns and guided the club to three consecutive Champions League triumphs between 2016 and 2018.
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo praised Zidane’s appointment, noting the magnitude of the responsibility. "I told him it is a huge honour and a great responsibility because the recent years have been spectacular for French football," Diallo said. "We needed someone who could inspire confidence and continue the trajectory we have built for the future. When Zinedine met with me 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 take the helm." Reflecting on Deschamps' legacy, Zidane expressed admiration for the style and consistency the team displayed under his predecessor.
"The team's performance and playing philosophy were magnificent. I watched many matches live and enjoyed them as any fan would. I have no complaints about how things were handled," Zidane said. "We will, however, introduce our own ideas.
Didier is Didier, Laurent Blanc is Laurent, and Zizou is Zizou. I will apply what I know best." He emphasized that his approach will not be a radical break but rather a continuation that respects the existing foundation. "It isn’t a clean break.
I want to preserve continuity so the French side keeps winning," he explained. Addressing concerns about his lack of experience as a national‑team manager, Zidane was unequivocal.
"There is no worry. Managing a national side is a completely different challenge from club football, and it does not frighten me," he asserted.
"I will find a balance between my personal life and the responsibilities of the French team. It suits me perfectly." Zidane also highlighted how he spent the five‑year hiatus.
"I didn’t sit idle. I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid.
I studied the French squad extensively, and I see enormous potential in the players," he noted. Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a vision centred on leveraging the talent pool, fostering a cohesive tactical identity, and building on the winning mentality cultivated over the past decade. "My plan is to blend the strengths of the current generation with fresh ideas, ensuring we remain competitive on the world stage," he said. "France has a deep reservoir of skill and character.
With the right preparation and mindset, we can aim for more trophies and sustain the legacy of excellence that French football has achieved." In summary, Zidane’s appointment marks a new chapter for Les Bleus, one that promises to combine his proven winning pedigree with a deep personal commitment to the national cause. His decision to reject numerous club offers underscores a singular focus: to guide France back to the pinnacle of international football.