Former Real Madrid manager and France legend Zinedine Zidane has reiterated his desire to one day become the manager of his country.
The former midfielder, who played 108 times for France, hasn’t coached a side since resigning from his post as Real Madrid boss in 2021.
During his time with Los Blancos, he enjoyed a plethora of achievements, including the 2016, 2017, and 2018 Champions Leagues – becoming the first ever manager to achieve the feat.
But when he left his position as boss, many expected him to walk into another job. He has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain since, but is yet to sign any deals.
That has led to fans speculating whether he will ever return to management, or go out on a high given his vast success in Spain with Madrid.
This weekend, though, the France legend has put any lingering doubts to bed, revealing that he does indeed want to return to the dugout – and with one side in particular.
Zinedine Zidane has revealed the one side he has his heard set on coaching when he returns to management
Didier Deschamps (centre) will leave his role at France after the World Cup, potentially paving the way for Zidane to take over
Speaking at the Festival Dello Sport, Zidane said: ‘I will definitely return to coaching. I don’t know what the future holds for me.
‘One of my goals is to coach the French national team. We’ll see.’
Current France boss Didier Deschamps is set to leave his role after the 2026 World Cup this summer, paving the way for Zidane to potentially achieve his dream.
Zidane took charge of 263 games across two spells at Madrid, the first between 2016 and 2018 and the second between 2019 and 2021.
As well as winning the Champions League on three occasions, he also lifted two LaLiga titles and two Club World Cups, before walking away after suggesting the club hierarchy had lost faith in him.
Two years ago, was also heavily linked with another former side in Juventus, and admitted at the festival that he ‘doesn’t know’ why that didn’t happen.
He added: ‘I always keep that team in my heart because it gave me a lot.’
