Zidane waiting for his next job in Madrid

Another year has passed without Zinedine Zidane returning to the dugout. The former Real Madrid coach (January 2016–June 2018 and March 2019–June 2021) remains discreet, avoiding media campaigns, but his ambition to manage a team hasn’t waned.

His name was heavily linked with the Paris Saint-Germain job in June 2022, as the Emir of Qatar—owner of the Parisian club—was determined to bring the Marseille-born coach on board. Despite the immense pressure, Zidane opted to wait for the outcome of the 2022 World Cup, anticipating that Didier Deschamps might step down as France’s head coach afterward.

However, after guiding Les Bleus to the final (a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Argentina), Deschamps decided to extend his contract until 2026. Even the team’s underwhelming performance at the last European Championship, where they were eliminated by Spain in the semifinals, did not prompt a change.

At 54, Zidane is still considered young in managerial terms and remains eager to lead the French national team—the side with which he famously won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

Zidane understands that his future hinges on the national team and that patience is essential. Deschamps has faced criticism in France for his team’s lackluster performances, despite a roster filled with world-class talent. He has also been faulted for failing to retain Antoine Griezmann, who abruptly left the national team last September.

Griezmann continues to showcase his high level of play each week with Atlético Madrid, making his departure all the more glaring. Meanwhile, Zidane’s enduring popularity in France makes him the preferred choice for many fans to take charge of Les Bleus. His iconic status was on full display when he participated in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, where he handed the Olympic flame to Rafael Nadal.

Zidane’s desire to manage the French national team was recently reaffirmed by his close friend Christophe Dugarry during an interview on Jérôme Rothen’s RMC program. “Zizou has always been clear—he wants to coach the French national team. He’s passionate about it,” Dugarry said.

However, he also acknowledged the possibility that Zidane might never coach again. Having achieved the extraordinary feat of winning three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid (2016, 2017, and 2018), Zidane isn’t interested in just any job; he requires a project that matches his ambition and stature.

There was speculation earlier this year about Zidane’s potential return to Olympique de Marseille, his boyhood club, following reports of Saudi investors showing interest in purchasing the team. However, the southern French club remains unsold, leaving that avenue closed for now.

For the time being, Zidane continues to live in Madrid, enjoying a quiet life surrounded by his family. A proud grandfather to three granddaughters, he seems content, calm, and relaxed.

Yet Zidane remains a man of football—a coach still eager to take on new challenges. But not just any challenge, and certainly not for the sake of money. For Zidane, it’s always about the passion, the project, and the game.

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