Zidane managed the Whites for two terms and enjoyed resounding success, including three Champions League and two La Liga victories at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Zidane in the running to replace Deschamps
The captain of the French team, winner of the 1998 World Cup, Didier Deschamps, took the reins of the French team in 2012, at a time when the Blues were struggling on the international stage. They failed to advance past the World Cup group stage in 2002 and 2010, and their performance at the European Championship was subpar. Deschamps built a solid team, block by block, which dominated world football for more than a decade under his leadership. They reached the final of Euro 2016, where they were stunned by Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo winning his first international title.
France then won the 2018 World Cup, demonstrating their dominance, while Kylian Mbappé announced his arrival on the international scene. France then came close to victory by once again reaching the final in Qatar, but suffered a heartbreak on penalties after a fierce clash, with Lionel Messi winning the world title. After more than ten years at the head of the France team, Deschamps announced that he would leave his position at the end of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Everything is working out perfectly for Zidane, who has not coached since his second stint at Real Madrid at the end of the 2020-21 season. He has reportedly received 'blank checks' from Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United, and has also attracted strong interest from the Saudi Pro League. The 1998 Ballon d'Or remains the big favorite to succeed Deschamps at the head of the team.
Zidane reveals his ambition to become coach of the France team
Speaking at the Trento Sports Festival, Zidane opened up about his life after retirement and why he got into football management, saying his ultimate dream was to manage the French team.
The Blues icon said: “When I stopped, my life turned upside down. After three years, I no longer knew what to do; I tried so many things before signing up for coaching training. Of all the coaches I had, the one I learned the most from was Lippi: he was very important, because when I arrived in Italy, the beginnings were difficult, but he always believed in me. I first had Ancelotti as a coach, then I became his assistant: he is a friend, he played an important role in my career. He was a good coach because he listened to the players. »
Asked what qualities a good coach must possess, Zidane replied: “IHe must be passionate about football, deeply passionate. It’s not just those who win who are good; there are good coaches who can't win. The most important thing for me is to convey something to the players. When you are passionate, you transmit something to the players.
“I will definitely come back to coach. Me at Juventus? I don't know why it didn't happen. He is always in my heart, because he gave me so much. Later, I don't know, but one of my goals is to coach the French team. We'll see. »
