No plans for Real Madrid return as legendary manager eyes national team role | OneFootball

Recent reports from Mundo Deportivo have confirmed that Zinedine Zidane is not considering a return to Real Madrid at this time.

This news comes amid increasing speculation over possible replacements for Carlo Ancelotti should Real Madrid’s recent losing streak continue.

However, Zidane, whose name has been mentioned once again as a potential successor, has firmly ruled out any third stint as manager of the club.

Rich history

Zidane’s first tenure at Real Madrid was from January 2016 to May 2018, during which he led the team to significant success, including three consecutive Champions League titles.

He returned in March 2019 and remained until May 2021. However, after his abrupt resignation, which was accompanied by a strongly worded letter, Zidane and the club parted ways.

Zinedine Zidane wants to coach France. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite this, he has maintained a positive relationship with club president Florentino Perez. However, the former player and manager is not currently interested in taking up a managerial role, especially at Real Madrid.

Zidane aspires to coach France

His focus is elsewhere, and he is in no rush to return to coaching. Zidane’s long-term aspiration is to take over the French national team, a role he has dreamed of since his days as a player.

To achieve this, he will need to wait until Didier Deschamps completes his contract, which runs through the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps extended his tenure after France’s runner-up finish in Qatar, but Zidane’s patience remains as he eyes the position after 2026.

Zidane’s dream has always been to manage France, a team he led to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship.

Since resigning from Real Madrid in 2021, he has turned down all offers, waiting for the opportunity to manage his national team. Therefore, the possibility of Zidane returning to Real Madrid is completely off the table for now, as he continues to focus on his ultimate goal.