Zinedine Zidane, the newly 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. In a press conference held on Monday morning, following Didier Deschamps' resignation, Zidane explained that his decision to stay out of club football was driven by a deep‑seated desire to take charge of France after his tenure at Real Madrid. The World Cup‑winning midfielder has been out of a managerial post since he left his second spell at Real Madrid, a period during which his name was linked to several high‑profile positions, including the vacant manager’s seat at Manchester United. Yet, as Zidane told reporters, "In the last four or five years I received offers to coach clubs, but I rejected every single one because my heart was set on the France national team.
This is the only job I wanted after my Real Madrid chapter." He continued, "I have always looked at the French national team not just as a fan, but as a future employer. That is why I refused to sign with any club. I could have taken on a great project for two or three years, but I kept my focus on the one role that mattered to me. When Deschamps announced his intention to step down after the 2025 World Cup, I felt an immediate surge of excitement and told the federation I wanted to be his successor." Zidane met with French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo in February 2025, a conversation that paved the way for his appointment.
"I met the president in February and that led us to this moment," Zidane said, underscoring the personal nature of the decision. He now inherits a team that has enjoyed a remarkably successful era under Deschamps. Over a twelve‑year spell, 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, however, reminded the audience that he also brings a proven winning pedigree from his club career.
While in charge of Real Madrid, he secured two La Liga titles and guided the club to three consecutive Champions League triumphs between 2016 and 2018. Diallo praised Zidane’s appointment, stating, "I told him it is a huge honour and a massive responsibility because the past few years have been spectacular. We needed someone who could instil confidence and continue the trajectory we have built. When Zinedine said, ‘Mr President, I know how to win,’ I knew he had both the desire and the belief to lead the team forward." Reflecting on Deschamps’ legacy, Zidane said, "The team’s style and spirit were magnificent.
I was there in the stands, I felt the energy, and I have no complaints about how things were handled. We will certainly bring our own ideas, but I respect what Didier, Laurent Blanc and all the previous coaches have done. My aim is to apply what I know best." He stressed that the transition will not be a radical break from the past.
"It’s not a clean break. I want to maintain continuity so the French side keeps winning," Zidane explained, emphasizing the importance of preserving the core identity while introducing his own tactical nuances. Addressing concerns about his lack of experience at the international level, Zidane was unequivocal: "There is no worry. Managing a national team is a completely different job from club football, but it does not frighten me.
I have watched countless matches over the past five years, more than I did while coaching Real Madrid. I have studied the French squad extensively and I see enormous potential." He added that the role fits his personal life perfectly, offering a balance that club coaching often does not. "It suits me well.
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 kept myself informed, analyzing games, and staying connected to the sport.
The French talent pool is deep, and I am eager to harness it." Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a vision that blends respect for France’s recent achievements with a fresh strategic approach. He intends to retain the attacking flair that has become a hallmark of Les Bleus while integrating disciplined defensive structures learned from his time at Real Madrid. The new coach also hinted at a focus on youth development, promising to give emerging players a platform to shine on the international stage.
In summary, Zidane’s appointment marks a new chapter for French football. After turning down multiple club offers, he has finally secured the role he has coveted for years. With a record of winning at the highest levels and a clear commitment to continuity and innovation, Zidane aims to guide France through the next World Cup cycle and beyond, building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor while imprinting his own winning philosophy on the national team.