- Zinedine Zidane reportedly turned down bumper offer to manage in Saudi Arabia
- The Frenchman has not returned to football since departing Real Madrid in 2021
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Zinedine Zidane has reportedly turned down a one-year contract worth £84million to manage in Saudi Arabia.
After calling time on his legendary playing career following the World Cup final in 2006, Zidane spent some time away from the sport before returning to Real Madrid to embark on a career in coaching.
After cutting his teeth during an 18-month spell in charge of the club’s reserve team Zidane would take the top job in January 2016 following the dismissal of Rafa Benítez.
The Frenchman proved to be an instant success in the dugout, winning three consecutive Champions League trophies, an unprecedented feat in the modern era.
However, after a second stint in charge of the club came to an end in 2021 Zidane has yet to take on another managerial position.
And according to a report from L’Equipe, it is not due to a lack of suitors.
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly turned down a £84million approach to take charge of Al-Hilal
The Saudi Pro League side are said to have been intent on bringing Zidane in ahead of their Club World Cup campaign
Zidane is reportedly intent on succeeding Didier Deschamps as France boss after next year’s World Cup
A report from the French outlet claimed Zidane has been offered €100m (£84.3m) to take charge of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
The club have been without a permanent manager since parting ways with Jorge Jesus in May, and are on the lookout for a new boss with the revamped Club World Cup on the horizon.
Following Zidane’s refusal, the club are said to be nearing a deal to appoint Inter boss Simone Inzaghi following the Italian’s defeat in the Champions League final on Saturday.
Zidane’s decision not to take the Al-Hilal job is said to stem from his intention to succeed Didier Deschamps as the manager of the French national team.
Deschamps announced earlier this year that he would step down from the role after more than a decade in charge following the 2026 World Cup.
And speaking this week Zidane firmly put himself forward to be Deschamps’ successor.
‘I feel legitimate in the France team,’ he said. ‘[It is] where I played and spent almost twelve, thirteen or fourteen years as a player. Of course, it’s a dream, I can’t wait.’
