Zinedine Zidane, freshly 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, who stepped aside after a long and successful tenure.
Since ending his second spell as Real Madrid’s manager, Zidane has been out of a permanent coaching role for half a decade. During that hiatus he was linked to several high‑profile positions around the globe, including a possible return to Manchester United. Yet, as he explained in his inaugural briefing as France’s boss, "In the last four or five years I received offers to take charge of clubs, but I rejected each one because my heart was set on the France national team.
This is the only job I wanted after my time at Real Madrid." Zidane emphasized that his fascination with the French side was not merely that of a fan, but that of a prospective manager. "I have always viewed the national team through the eyes of a supporter, but also as a future coach. That is why I did not sign with any club.
I could have taken on attractive projects for two or three years, but I kept my focus on the French job." He added that the decisive moment came when Deschamps announced, at the start of 2025, his intention to step down after the next World Cup. "The very next day I felt a surge of excitement and told myself I wanted to be his successor," Zidane said. "I met with the federation president in February 2025, and that conversation led us to this point." Zidane now inherits a side that has thrived under Deschamps for twelve years, a period that produced a World Cup triumph in 2018, a Nations League title in 2021, and runner‑up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
While the French Football Federation acknowledges the impressive legacy, they also recognize Zidane’s own winning pedigree. As Real Madrid’s manager he captured two La Liga crowns and guided the club to three consecutive Champions League victories between 2016 and 2018. French FA president Philippe Diallo commented on the appointment, stating, "I told Zidane it is a great honour and a huge responsibility because the recent years have been spectacular.
We needed someone who could inspire confidence and steer us forward for the years ahead. When I met him 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 lead the team." When asked about the transition from Deschamps, Zidane praised the previous era’s style and results. "The team’s performance and playing philosophy were magnificent. I was there in the stands and enjoyed it as any supporter would.
I have no complaints about how things unfolded," he said. "We will approach things differently, but I respect what Didier, Laurent Blanc, and Zizou each brought.
I intend to apply what I know best." Continuity, he stressed, will be a guiding principle. "It is not a clean break.
I want to preserve the continuity that has kept France competitive, while also injecting my own ideas to keep us winning," Zidane explained. Addressing concerns about his lack of experience at the international level, the former midfielder reassured everyone that the role feels natural to him. "There is no fear," he declared. "Managing a national team is a completely different challenge from club football, but it does not intimidate me.
I can balance my personal life with the responsibilities of the French side, and the fit is perfect." Zidane also highlighted how he has spent the past five years staying engaged with the sport. "I didn’t sit idle. I watched more matches than I did while coaching Real Madrid.
I studied countless games, especially those of the French team, and I see enormous potential in the current squad," he noted. Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a vision that blends his winning mentality with the talent pool available to France. He spoke about fostering a dynamic, attacking style while maintaining defensive solidity, and about integrating younger players who have shown promise at club level.
He also mentioned the importance of mental resilience, especially after the disappointment of recent tournaments, and pledged to build a culture where every player feels accountable and motivated. In summary, Zidane’s appointment marks a new chapter for French football.
His decision to decline club offers in favour of the national team underscores a deep personal commitment, while his track record of success at the highest level offers confidence that he can sustain, and perhaps even elevate, the achievements of his predecessor. The coming months will reveal how his philosophy translates onto the international stage, but the enthusiasm surrounding his debut suggests that French fans are eager to see Zizou’s next triumphs unfold.