Zinedine Zidane has been out of management for more than four years after completing his second spell as Real Madrid boss in May 2021. But the 53-year-old recently confirmed that he plans to return to the dugout.
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.”
Zinedine Zidane’s history as a manager
Zidane began his coaching career with Real Madrid Castilla in 2014 before being promoted to the Real Madrid first team in January 2016. He went on to make one of the most successful starts to a managerial career in modern football.
During his two spells in charge at the Bernabeu, he won 11 major trophies, including three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.
| Competition | Titles Won | Year/Season |
|---|---|---|
| La Liga | 2 | 2016/17, 2019/20 |
| Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 2017, 2020 |
| UEFA Champions League | 3 | 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18 |
| UEFA Super Cup | 2 | 2016, 2017 |
| FIFA Club World Cup | 2 | 2016, 2017 |
| Total major trophies | 11 |
Across Real Madrid Castilla and the first team, Zidane managed 320 matches, winning 200, drawing 70 and losing just 50 — an overall win rate of 62.5%.
In his first spell as Real Madrid manager (2016–18), he recorded 105 wins in 149 games with a win rate above 70%. His second stint (2019–21) saw him add another La Liga title and maintain a 60% win percentage.
He remains the only coach in history to win three consecutive Champions League titles.
Zinedine Zidane next job options
France
Zidane has openly stated that managing France — who are said to have a 12.50% probability of winning the 2026 World Cup — is one of his ambitions, but it may not be his immediate move.
Didier Deschamps’ contract runs until after the conclusion of the biggest ever World Cup, which could create a vacancy as early as July next year.
Zidane is currently rated among the favourites to become the next France manager, with other names linked including Herve Renard, Christophe Galtier, Patrick Vieira, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.
Only three players have made more appearances for France than Zidane, who earned 108 caps between 1994 and 2006 and scored 31 goals. He netted twice in the 1998 World Cup final and scored again in the 2006 final before being sent off in his last international match.
Real Madrid
Zidane’s entire senior coaching career has been spent at Real Madrid, and after delivering three Champions League titles in a row, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in the club’s history.
His name will always be linked with the job at the Bernabeu whenever there is uncertainty over the head coach.
However, with Xabi Alonso replacing Carlo Ancelotti less than five months ago, a vacancy is unlikely in the near term.
There is also the question of whether club president Florentino Perez would turn to Zidane for a third time after relations became strained in 2021. In an open letter, Zidane suggested he left because he felt the club no longer had sufficient faith in his long-term project.
Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane is keen to return to management
Manchester United
Zidane is such a big name and such a significant figure in world football that it is hard to imagine his next managerial job being for anything other than a global giant.
One such global giant that could realistically be looking for a new manager in the near future is Manchester United.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently gave Ruben Amorim an unconvincing public vote of confidence, suggesting the current boss might need three years before he could fairly be judged on his work at Old Trafford.
Despite that, many fans and pundits see it as a case of when United will sack Amorim, rather than if, as the Portuguese continues to persevere with his beloved 3-4-3 formation without success.
Zidane would not be the only candidate to replace Amorim. Unai Emery would also be a strong contender for the United job.
But Zidane’s star power would make him a standout option for many fans. Many feel that the main reason Zidane has not already been given a shot at managing United is because he did not want the job.
With him now admitting that he is keen to return to management, perhaps he might have changed his mind?
Juventus
Juventus have long been considered one of the most natural destinations for Zidane should he return to club football. He spent five years in Turin as a player, winning two Serie A titles and developing under Marcello Lippi before moving to Real Madrid.
Current coach Igor Tudor is overseeing a period of transition, but Juve’s wider renewal has sparked debate over whether a marquee appointment will eventually be needed to restore a clear identity and European standing.
Legendary AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi has publicly urged Zidane to be given the Juve job, praising him for building what he described as a “machine of beauty” at Real Madrid — teams that played with courage, possession and collective structure, while maintaining a ruthless winning edge.
Sacchi also pointed to Zidane’s emotional bond with Juventus, his tactical balance and the influence of Lippi during his playing days. Sacchi wrote in a recent Gazzetta dello Sport column: “I confess I have hope. He was a great Juventus player, he became a champion in the black and white jersey, he had a maestro like Marcello Lippi as his coaching mentor, so why not imagine him on the Juventus bench?
“Someone like him, someone who always put attacking football first, someone who believes in team play and talent at the service of the team. Our championship could only benefit from his presence.”
Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have previously tried to appoint Zidane and could revisit the idea in the future. Luis Enrique delivered the club’s first-ever Champions League title last season, but in Paris no manager is ever truly secure.
Even with Enrique seemingly safe for now, PSG’s ownership has a history of appointing big-name coaches such as Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery. Zidane’s stature as a French icon would make him an easy sell to supporters and sponsors if the role were to open again.
Saudi Arabia
Many clubs — as well as the national team — in Saudi Arabia have tried to lure Zidane with enormous offers. He is known to have turned down lucrative proposals in recent years, prioritising the right project over the biggest salary.
But, unlike many European coaches, Zidane speaks Arabic, which would make any move to the region smoother from a communication standpoint.
With the Saudi Pro League still investing heavily and seeking global prestige, Zidane would be an obvious target if he signals openness to such a move. Whether he chooses legacy or a new frontier may determine how serious this option becomes.
