Zinedine Zidane is tempted by the possibility of returning to Real Madrid for a third time as manager, despite reports claiming that his next job has already been agreed.
Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, turning down a number of opportunities to return to the sidelines.
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However, rumours are circulating that Zidane could finally be on the verge of returning to coaching after the 2026 World Cup.
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World Cup takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and José Félix Díaz of AS claims that Zidane will take over as France’s national team coach after the tournament in North America has concluded.
Didier Deschamps, a former teammate of Zidane, has been in the job since 2012 and led France to their second World Cup title in 2018.
His contract runs until July 2026, but Deschamps is not expected to extend his contract, and a move to Saudi Arabia is said to be in the offing. Zidane seems to be waiting in the wings to take over the reins, but according to Fichajes, France is not the only team with interest in the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner.
Incredibly, the Spanish website claims that he is “once again on Real Madrid’s radar.”
It is mentioned that Zidane’s name is “the one that creates the greatest consensus in the Madrid environment, both among directors and among players with experience.”
He still has a “fluid” relationship with President Florentino Pérez after his long-term partnership with Los Blancos as a player and coach.
Real Madrid hired another former player, Xabi Alonso, as their new manager this summer, and the team tops La Liga after 12 games.
However, it is reported that while Real Madrid maintain their support for Alonso and his project, tension is rising in the dressing room and “there are tactical and personal disagreements.”
Zidane is the most reliable replacement if Real Madrid choose to make a shock move, as the three-time Champions League winner “knows the structure, knows how to handle pressure and controls the dressing room like few others.”
Zidane has previously told reporters that his return to the sidelines will happen “very soon.”
Zinedine Zidane drops a bombshell about his return to management in a new interview.
Zinedine Zidane has dropped a bombshell about his long-awaited return to management in a new interview.
France legend Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in May 2021.
He has been linked with various roles across Europe, including at Manchester United, Chelsea, Marseille and Fenerbahce, but has so far resisted the temptation to return to managerial work.
Zidane revealed in 2022 that he had no short-term plans to train in England because he is not fluent in English.
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Reports have long linked him to taking over as head coach of the French national team.
His former teammate Didier Deschamps has held that role since 2014 but has announced that he will retire after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Marca reported last year that Zidane would likely only consider roles either for France or at Real Madrid – where he would begin a third spell – if he were to make a comeback.
But there has been speculation that he might decide not to return to management at all.
However, as he prepares for a return to the pitch playing in a charity match, Zidane has confirmed once and for all that he will indeed be on the sidelines again as a manager.
He told reporters: “It will happen soon. Very soon.”
Although he did not name which team he will coach
