Zinedine Zidane, the newly appointed head coach of the French national side, disclosed that he turned down a series of tempting job proposals over the past five years because his sole ambition was to lead Les Bleus. The announcement came during a press conference on Monday morning, following the resignation of long‑time manager Didier Deschamps. Since stepping away from his second spell as Real Madrid’s manager, Zidane has been out of a regular coaching position for half a decade.
During that interval, his name surfaced in connection with several high‑profile vacancies, including the coveted role at Manchester United, as well as other top‑flight clubs across Europe. Yet, according to Zidane, none of those opportunities matched his personal goal. "In the last four or five years I received offers 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 briefing as France’s coach. "This is the only job I wanted to pursue after my tenure at Real Madrid." He went on to describe his long‑standing fascination with the French side, not merely as a fan but as a prospective manager.
"I have always looked at the national team through the eyes of a supporter, but I also imagined myself at the helm. That is why I refused to sign for another club," he said. Zidane emphasized that his decision was not driven by a lack of offers but by a clear personal vision.
"I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after leaving Real Madrid was to take charge of the French national team. I deliberately stayed away from club projects, even though there were attractive proposals 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. "When Deschamps said he would leave at the start of 2025, I felt an immediate surge of excitement and declared that I wanted to be his successor," Zidane recalled. In February 2025, Zidane met with French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo, a meeting that culminated in his appointment. "I met the president in February, and that conversation led us to this moment," Zidane said.
Zidane now inherits a French side that has enjoyed a remarkably successful era under Deschamps. Over a twelve‑year period, Les Bleus captured the 2018 World Cup, lifted the 2021 Nations League, and finished as runners‑up at both Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. The team’s consistent performance has set a high bar for any successor. While Zidane’s résumé as a club manager is impressive—two La Liga titles and three straight Champions League crowns between 2016 and 2018—he acknowledges the distinct challenges of international football.
"I know how to win, and I bring that experience, but national team management is a different beast," he said. Diallo echoed this sentiment, noting the weight of the role. "It is an immense honour and a huge responsibility.
The past few years have been extraordinary for French football, and we needed someone who can inspire confidence and steer us forward," he said. "When I met Zidane in February, he told me, ‘Mr President, I know how to win.’ That conviction convinced me he has the drive and belief needed to lead the team." Reflecting on Deschamps’ legacy, Zidane praised the previous coach’s style and achievements. "The team’s rhythm and approach were spectacular.
I was there, I felt the atmosphere, and I enjoyed it as any fan would," he said. "There are no grievances about how things unfolded." However, Zidane also signalled a desire to imprint his own philosophy. "It won’t be a clean break.
Deschamps is Deschamps, Laurent Blanc is Laurent Blanc, and I am Zizou. I will try to do what I know best while respecting what has been built," he explained. "Continuity is essential, but I also want to evolve the squad so that France continues to win." Addressing concerns about his lack of experience as a national team manager, Zidane was unequivocal: "There is no fear.
Managing a country is a completely different job from club coaching, but it does not intimidate me." He highlighted the balance he expects to achieve between his personal life and the demands of the role. "It fits me perfectly. It is a different kind of job, and I have no issues with that," he said. During his five‑year hiatus, Zidane stayed closely connected to the game.
"I didn’t sit idle. I watched more matches than I did while coaching Real Madrid. I followed the French national team extensively and saw a tremendous amount of potential," he remarked. Zidane’s vision for the upcoming fixtures includes integrating fresh talent, refining tactical flexibility, and maintaining the attacking flair that has become synonymous with French football.
He intends to blend the experienced core—players such as Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Hugo Lloris—with emerging prospects from the youth academies, ensuring a seamless generational transition. In terms of tactics, Zidane hinted at a hybrid approach that merges the disciplined defensive structure he employed at Real Madrid with the fluid, creative attacking style traditionally associated with Les Bleus. "We will work on a solid defensive base, but we will also give our attackers the freedom to express themselves. The aim is to be adaptable, to switch formations when needed, and to make the most of the individual brilliance within the squad," he explained.
Looking ahead, Zidane acknowledges the pressure of upcoming tournaments, especially the 2025 World Cup, which will be his first major test as a national team manager. "The expectations are high, but I am confident in the group’s ability.
We have the talent, the work ethic, and the hunger to succeed," he concluded. With his appointment, France embarks on a new chapter, guided by a coach who has deliberately waited for this moment, turned down lucrative club offers, and now aims to write the next successful chapter in the storied history of French football.