‘The only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid’ – Zinédine Zidane explains decision to accept France’s national team job | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane has been officially introduced today by French FA president Philippe Diallo as Didier Deschamps’ successor in the dugout for Les Bleus. Zidane faced the media this morning at the French FA’s Parisian headquarters alongside Diallo. The former Real Madrid head coach has penned a four-year contract with France.

Diallo has explained that he initiated contact with Zidane in February 2025, a couple of weeks after Deschamps made official his decision to step down as manager after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane started his remarks by sending a message of support to the firefighters battling massive forest fires in southwestern France as well as a congratulatory message to his predecessor, Deschamps.

Zidane went on to say, that during his five-year break from management, he turned down numerous proposals because he only had the France job on his mind. “I turned them all down for the French national team, because it’s the only thing I wanted to do after my experience at Real Madrid. The only thing that motivates me is being able to work for this team and for it to continue winning.” Zidane added that today was the best day of his coaching career. 

GFFN | Bastien Cheval