Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he deliberately turned down several coaching offers over the last few years because he had only one destination in mind — the French national team.
The former Real Madrid manager, who has officially been unveiled as the new head coach of France, said he never lost sight of his ambition to one day lead Les Bleus, even when some of Europe’s biggest clubs came calling.
Addressing journalists during his first press conference as France manager, Zidane admitted that remaining patient was not always easy, but he believed the opportunity to coach his country was worth the wait.
According to him, taking charge of France was the only coaching role he wanted after leaving Real Madrid.
“Over the past four or five years, I received offers from clubs, but I declined them all in favour of the national team,” Zidane said, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“This role is the only one I wished to pursue after my tenure at Real Madrid. I have always viewed the French national team from the perspective of a fan, but also as a prospective manager. This is why I chose not to take on a club team.”
His comments bring an end to years of speculation linking him with some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Although Zidane’s name repeatedly surfaced whenever top managerial positions became vacant, he consistently stayed away from the dugout, choosing instead to wait for the opportunity he believed was meant for him.
Now that opportunity has arrived.
For Zidane, managing France is more than just another coaching appointment. It is a chance to return to the team where he created some of the greatest moments of his playing career and to give back to a country that shaped his football journey.
The World Cup-winning legend described his appointment as one of the proudest moments of his career, while acknowledging the enormous responsibility that comes with leading one of football’s biggest nations.
“I have reiterated this numerous times: there is nothing more significant than the France national team. Therefore, it brings me immense joy and pride to take on the role of manager for this team. It also comes with a great responsibility. I am filled with emotions and prepared for the challenge.”
Despite the excitement surrounding his appointment, Zidane made it clear that he understands the expectations that come with the job.
“This is what drives me. Today, I have the chance to lead this team, and I will dedicate myself fully to ensure its success.”
The French football icon also paid tribute to Didier Deschamps, whose successful spell in charge came to an end after the FIFA World Cup.
Deschamps leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and establishing the national team as one of the strongest sides in international football over more than a decade in charge.
Rather than focusing on replacing such an accomplished coach, Zidane chose to acknowledge the work his predecessor had done.
“I would also like to extend my congratulations to DD [Deschamps] for his outstanding years of service,” he said.
The appointment marks a new chapter for both Zidane and the French national team.
As a player, Zidane remains one of the greatest footballers France has ever produced. His unforgettable performances helped France win the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil before adding the UEFA European Championship two years later. His elegance on the ball, vision and leadership made him one of the defining players of his generation.
His coaching career has been equally impressive.
During his time at Real Madrid, Zidane guided the Spanish giants to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, while also winning two La Liga crowns and several other domestic and international trophies. Those achievements established him among the most successful managers in modern football despite spending only a relatively short period in club management.
Since leaving Madrid, Zidane had largely stayed away from coaching, even as rumours linked him with several high-profile jobs across Europe.
His latest comments finally explain why.
Rather than rushing back into management, he chose to wait for the one role that truly inspired him.
That patience has now been rewarded.
With a talented generation of French players already in place and expectations as high as ever, Zidane begins his reign with the backing of supporters who have long hoped to see him on the national team bench.
His challenge now will be to build on the foundation left by Didier Deschamps and guide France to more success on the international stage.
For Zidane, however, this journey is about much more than trophies. It is the fulfilment of a dream he refused to compromise, turning away every club opportunity because he believed there was only one job worth waiting for.
Now that he has finally taken charge of France, the next chapter of one of football’s most remarkable careers is set to begin.
