Les Reves Bleus! Zinedine Zidane 'Can't Wait' To Take 'Dream' France Manager Job

Last Updated:May 28, 2025, 08:43 IST

Zinedine Zidane has expressed his eagerness to become France's national coach after the 2026 World Cup.

French football legend Zinedine Zidane (AP)

Zinedine Zidane, widely expected in France to take over as national coach after the 2026 World Cup, described the role as “a dream" and expressed his eagerness to assume it.

Zidane, who is 52 years old, spoke at an event organised by his long-time sponsors Adidas, as reported by French media on Monday.

“I feel qualified for the French team, where I played and spent practically 12, 13, 14 years as a player. Of course it’s a dream. I can’t wait," said Zidane, a former captain of Les Bleus and the scorer of two goals in the 1998 World Cup final.

His midfield partner in that match and during France’s Euro 2000 triumph was Didier Deschamps, who has been coaching the French team since 2012.

Deschamps led Les Bleus to World Cup victory in 2018 but has announced he will step down after the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

As a coach, Zidane guided Real Madrid to three Champions League titles and two La Liga championships but has not taken a coaching position since ending his second spell at Real Madrid in 2021.

Zizou – A Player And Coach Unmatched

Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He began his professional career at Cannes before moving to Bordeaux, where his talent began to attract global attention. He truly rose to prominence during his time at Juventus (1996–2001), winning two Serie A titles and reaching two UEFA Champions League finals. In 2001, he transferred to Real Madrid for what was then a world-record fee. At Madrid, Zidane won the 2002 Champions League, scoring one of the most iconic goals in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, and later added a La Liga title in the 2002–03 season.

Internationally, Zidane was a key player for France. He led his country to a historic FIFA World Cup victory on home soil in 1998, scoring twice in the final. Two years later, he helped France win UEFA Euro 2000.

He was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 1998 and was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1998, 2000, 2003). Zidane earned 108 caps for France and scored 31 goals. Despite a red card in the 2006 World Cup final – his last professional match – his legacy as a player remains untarnished.

After retiring as a player, Zidane transitioned into coaching, starting with Real Madrid Castilla before taking over the first team in January 2016. His impact was immediate and historic. In just two and a half seasons during his first spell (2016–2018), he led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles – a feat unmatched in the modern era. Under his guidance, the team also won La Liga in the 2016–17 season, along with two Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.

Zidane returned for a second spell in 2019 and again brought silverware, winning La Liga in the 2019–20 season. His tactical flexibility, ability to manage big personalities, and calm demeanour earned widespread praise. Over two spells with Real Madrid, Zidane managed 263 games, winning 174, drawing 54, and losing just 35, with a win percentage of approximately 66%. He remains one of the most successful and respected managers in the club’s history.

(With inputs from AFP)

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