Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane still has his eyes on the France national team job as the Frenchman continues to put his coaching career on hold.
Zidane has been out of job since he left his role at Real Madrid after his second stint at the club in 2021. Though he has been linked with various coaching jobs across Europe, the former Real and Juventus midfielder has rejected all offers.
However, the Frenchman has now reveal he is “looking forward” to leading France in the dugout one day. He also admitted he has been waiting for the right opportunity to come along.
He said of potentially replacing Didier Deschamps at the helm, via Marca: “There’s a coach in charge [of France, there’s a team, and you have to respect everything, and that’s what we do. I’ve always respected football and the people, so it’s not the right time. But when the time comes, it will be a great pleasure if the opportunity arises. I’ve put my career on hold for a while, but I fully feel like a coach.”
Zidane added: “It’s a dream, I’m looking forward to it.”
Ranked among the best managers of his generation, Zidane’s two stints at Real Madrid were hugely successful. He delivered multiple La Liga and Champions League titles.
With current France boss Deschamps set to step down after the 2026 World Cup, Zidane will be one of the favourites to succeed him. The 52-year-old Zidane, who would happily manage Madrid again or France for the first time, is reportedly expected to replace Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup.
