Zinedine Zidane Prepares for High-Profile Managerial Return After Long Break

Zinedine Zidane is set to return to football management. All signs point to him becoming France’s national team coach after the 2026 World Cup.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Zidane left Real Madrid in 2021 and has been waiting for the right management opportunity. Reports say he will take over as France‘s coach after Didier Deschamps leaves following the 2026 World Cup. He has turned down many high-paying offers, including one from Saudi Arabia, because he wants to coach his country’s national team. At 53, Zidane is closely watching the France squad and planning for the future with players like Kylian Mbappe.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Zidane won three straight Champions League titles and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid, making him one of the club’s most successful managers. Since leaving in May 2021 after a season without trophies, he has declined many offers, including one from the United States national team. France is preparing for the 2026 World Cup under Deschamps. Zidane’s expected arrival could lead to a new era for France, and many think his leadership could help the team build on recent successes in major tournaments.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Zidane is likely to be confirmed as France’s coach after the 2026 World Cup. Until then, the team will focus on their World Cup campaign, where they are seen as one of the favourites. Zidane’s former club, Real Madrid, is competing for the La Liga title and is just two points ahead of Barcelona. The French team’s next game is a World Cup qualifier against Austria, where they are leading their group by two points over the Netherlands. Many fans are eager to see Zidane return and hope he can lead France to more success on the world stage.