Zinedine Zidane, freshly appointed as the head coach of the French national team, disclosed that over the past five years he turned down a series of tempting job proposals 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 long and successful tenure. Since stepping away from his second spell as Real Madrid’s manager, Zidane has been without a permanent coaching position. During that hiatus, his name surfaced repeatedly in connection with some of the world’s most prestigious clubs, Manchester United being among the most prominent.
Yet, as he explained in his inaugural press briefing as France’s boss, "In the last four or five years, I received offers to take charge of clubs, and I rejected each one because my focus was always on the France national team. This role is the only one I wanted after my Real Madrid chapter." Zidane elaborated that his fascination with the French side had always been two‑fold: as a lifelong supporter and as a future manager. "I always viewed the national team through the eyes of a fan, but I also imagined myself at the helm. That’s why I didn’t sign with any club," he said.
He added that several attractive projects had been presented to him, each capable of keeping him busy for two or three years, but he deliberately kept his distance. "When Deschamps announced in early 2025 that he would step down after the next World Cup, I felt an immediate surge of excitement and told myself I wanted to be his successor," Zidane recalled. The path to his appointment began with a meeting with French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo in February 2025. That conversation, Zidane said, set the stage for today’s announcement.
"I met the president in February 2025 and that led us here," he affirmed. Zidane now inherits a team that has thrived under Deschamps for twelve years, a period that produced a 2018 World Cup triumph, a 2021 Nations League title, and runner‑up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. While the French side has enjoyed sustained success, Zidane reminded the federation that he also knows how to win at the highest level.
As a Real Madrid manager he captured two La Liga crowns and, most notably, guided the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League victories between 2016 and 2018. Diallo praised Zidane’s appointment, noting the magnitude of the task.
"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 inspire confidence and steer us forward for the years ahead," the federation chief said. He recalled Zidane’s own words from their February meeting: "Mr President, I know how to win." That declaration convinced Diallo that Zidane possessed both the desire and the self‑belief required to take charge. When asked about succeeding Deschamps, Zidane spoke with respect for his predecessor’s legacy.
"The team’s style of play and its journey have been magnificent. I was there in person, I felt the excitement, and I have no complaints about how things unfolded," he remarked. He emphasized that while he intends to bring his own philosophy, continuity remains essential.
"It’s not a clean break. I want to preserve the continuity that has kept France winning," he said, adding, "Didier Deschamps is Didier Deschamps, Laurent Blanc is Laurent Blanc, and Zizou is Zizou. I will try to do what I know best." Addressing concerns about his lack of experience as a national‑team manager, Zidane was unequivocal: "There is no worry. It’s a completely different job from club coaching, but it does not frighten me.
I see a huge pool of talent in the French squad and I am confident we can achieve great things." He highlighted the balance he expects to strike between his personal life and the responsibilities of the national team, describing the role as a perfect fit for his current stage. Zidane also clarified that his five‑year hiatus was far from idle. "I didn’t sit around twiddling my thumbs.
I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid. I studied the French team extensively and saw enormous potential," he explained. This period of observation, he believes, has equipped him with fresh insights that will inform his tactical approach. Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a vision that blends his winning pedigree with the existing strengths of the French side.
He plans to maintain the solid defensive organization that has been a hallmark of French football while injecting a more fluid, attacking mindset inspired by his experiences in Spain. He also intends to give younger talents a clearer pathway into the senior squad, fostering a seamless transition between youth and senior levels.
In terms of immediate challenges, Zidane acknowledged the upcoming fixtures that will test his ideas. The first matches under his stewardship will serve as a litmus test for his tactical concepts and his ability to manage a squad that carries both veteran stars and emerging prospects. He emphasized that early results are less important than establishing a cohesive identity and a winning mentality. Zidane’s appointment marks a new chapter for French football, one that blends the storied past of a World Cup‑winning era with the fresh ambition of a coach who has proven his capacity to deliver trophies on the grandest stages.
As he steps onto the international arena for the first time, the football world will watch closely to see whether his famed winning instinct can translate into sustained success for Les Bleus.