Zinedine Zidane, the newly appointed head coach of the French national side, disclosed that over the past five years he rejected a series of tempting job offers because his sole ambition was to lead Les Bleus. During his inaugural press conference as France’s manager, the former World Cup champion explained that, after stepping down from his second spell as Real Madrid coach, he deliberately avoided any club appointments, even those from elite teams such as Manchester United, in order to keep his focus on the national team role he had always envisioned for himself. Zidane’s appointment came after Didier Deschamps announced his resignation, prompting the French Football Federation to begin a swift search for a successor. The former midfielder, who has not held a coaching position since leaving Real Madrid, said, “In the last four or five years I received offers to take charge of clubs, but I turned them all down because my heart was set on the France job.
This is the only position I wanted after my Real Madrid chapter.” He went on to describe how the idea of managing France was not just a fan’s dream but a concrete career goal. “I have always looked at the French national team both as a supporter and as a future manager. That is why I kept away from club opportunities, even though some of them were very attractive and could have lasted two or three years,” he explained.
Zidane added that when Deschamps signaled his intention to step down at the beginning of 2025, he felt an immediate surge of motivation to declare his own candidacy. “The moment I heard the news, I was animated and told everyone I wanted to be his successor,” he said. The meeting that sealed the deal took place in February 2025 when Zidane sat down with French FA president Philippe Diallo.
“I met the president in February 2025 and that conversation led us to this moment,” Zidane recalled. Diallo later confirmed the significance of the appointment, noting that the federation needed a leader who could inspire confidence and continue the successful trajectory established under Deschamps.
Deschamps’ twelve‑year reign was marked by a World Cup triumph in 2018, a Nations League title in 2021, and runner‑up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Zidane, however, brought his own impressive résumé to the table. 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, cementing his reputation as a winner at the highest level. Diallo praised Zidane’s confidence, recalling their February conversation: “When I met Zinedine, he said, ‘Mr President, I know how to win.’ At that moment I sensed his desire and belief that he could steer the French team forward.” When asked about the transition from Deschamps, Zidane expressed admiration for his predecessor’s style of play, saying, “The team’s rhythm and approach were magnificent.
I was there, I enjoyed it, and I have no complaints about how things were done.” He emphasized that his aim is not to create a rupture but to build on existing strengths. “It isn’t a clean break. Deschamps is Deschamps, Laurent Blanc is Laurent Blanc, and Zizou is Zizou.
I will try to apply what I know while preserving the continuity that keeps France competitive.” Zidane also addressed concerns about stepping into a national‑team role for the first time. He stressed that the job differs fundamentally from club management, but he feels prepared. “There’s no fear.
It’s a different kind of job, and I’m comfortable with that. I will balance my personal life with the responsibilities of the national side,” he said. He highlighted the depth of talent in the current French squad, noting that he has spent the past five years studying the game closely. “I didn’t sit idle.
I watched more matches than when I was coaching Real Madrid. I observed the French team extensively and see enormous potential,” Zidane asserted.
Looking ahead, Zidane outlined a vision that blends his winning mentality with a respect for French football’s traditions. He plans to integrate his tactical insights, honed at the highest club level, with the existing framework that has produced recent successes. By doing so, he hopes to guide Les Bleus through upcoming qualifiers, the Euro 2028 tournament, and ultimately the 2026 World Cup, aiming to add another chapter of glory to France’s storied football history.
In summary, Zidane’s decision to decline multiple prestigious club offers underscores his unwavering commitment to the French national team. His track record of triumphs, combined with a deep appreciation for France’s football culture, positions him as a compelling successor to Deschamps, ready to steer the team toward future achievements.