Zinedine Zidane’s Patient Wait: From Real Madrid Glory to French National Team Dreams

The Return of a Legend

Since stepping down as Real Madrid’s head coach in 2021, Zinedine Zidane has remained out of management, despite receiving lucrative offers including a €100 million contract proposal from Saudi Arabia. His primary ambition? To become France’s national team manager.

A Legacy of Success

Zidane’s managerial career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with his time at Real Madrid yielding an impressive collection of 11 trophies – including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Supercopa de España titles.

Preparing for the National Team

Recent reports from L’Équipe suggest that Zidane is quietly preparing to succeed Didier Deschamps as the manager of France following the latter’s planned resignation after the 2026 World Cup. The anticipation is building within the Les Bleus squad, with several players looking forward to his appointment. In preparation, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner has already been discussing his former teammate’s experiences in charge of the national team.

Strategic Preparation

Zidane isn’t sitting idle during his time away from management. He has been actively studying Ligue 1 games, European competitions, and even less traditional leagues. He has sought tactical advice from former national team manager Laurent Blanc and has already laid out plans for his future team, including how he will set them up and who he will develop into key roles.

The Future of French Football

This measured approach highlights the respect Zidane commands and his focus on legacy over immediate returns. With the 2026 World Cup marking a defining moment for France, his imminent comeback is one of football’s most anticipated managerial stories. His strategic patience and deep ties to French football position him as an iconic figure ready to mold the next generation on the world’s biggest stage.