Zinedine Zidane, the iconic former manager of Real Madrid, is making headlines with speculation surrounding his next career move. After stepping away from coaching duties at Los Blancos, where he led the team to three consecutive Champions League titles, Zidane has remained silent on his future, but recent developments suggest he might be moving closer to making significant decisions about his next professional chapter.
Since leaving his managerial role in 2021, the football community has kept close tabs on Zidane, pondering what renowned figure like him would do next. The latest buzz hints at two prominent opportunities on the horizon: the managerial position with the Saudi Arabian national team and the hot seat at Manchester United, which has been underwhelmed by its performances over the past season.
The situation became even more intriguing when Roberto Mancini, the former manager of Manchester City, was dismissed from his role with the Saudi Arabian team. This sudden vacancy has positioned Zidane as the top candidate, according to reports from Italian outlet Calciomercato. Despite the allure of such high-profile positions, it seems Zidane's heart might be elsewhere. Sources close to him reveal he is more inclined to wait for another opportunity with the French national team.
Christophe Dugarry, Zidane’s former teammate and friend, recently shared insights on RMC Sports, shedding light on Zidane’s perspectives. "He has already offered his services to the French team and said he wanted it and was waiting for it; it's no longer a secret," Dugarry said. This admission suggests Zidane has been eyeing the managerial role he's always aspired to – taking over from Didier Deschamps, who re-signed until 2026. Such clarity signifies his disinterest toward the Saudi Arabian team when the French job is at stake.
Dugarry emphasized this sentiment strongly, stating, "He will not go, he will never go. If he had to go, he would have been there a long time ago." This statement resonates with many who believe Zidane has consistently been overlooked for roles within the French national team, leaving fans and pundits wondering why he has not been handed the reins yet.
For Zidane, the desire to coach his national team is deeply rooted, backed by his historic success as both player and manager, and the emotional connection he holds. Even though taking the helm of the Saudi Arabia team might be financially lucrative, it doesn't hold the same weight as leading his nation. For many, coaching the French squad isn't merely about the paycheck; it's about legacy.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s struggles to regain their former glory continues, and speculation has arisen about whether Zidane could be the managerial savior. Erik ten Hag remains under pressure as United’s league performance trails off, sitting low on the table and struggling to maintain consistency. With various names floated around as potential successors for ten Hag, Zidane's reputation and achievements make him one of the most talked-about candidates.
Even so, Zidane’s reluctance to rush back to coaching is common among top-tier managers who understand the significance of choosing the right moment to return. The pressure associated with such significant roles can be debilitating, and Zidane's decision to remain available, rather than to settle for immediate opportunities, reflects his strategic thinking.
Considering his illustrious career, moving to Saudi Arabia raises eyebrows. Many fans and analysts speculate how he would cope with leading within such tightly controlled, high-pressure environments, where football is experiencing rapid and ambitious growth. The allure of Saudi Arabia's burgeoning football ambition might seem appealing, especially with the significant financial resources aimed at enhancing their leagues and national team performances.
Yet the heart wants what it wants. Zidane's connection to France likely makes it hard for him to entertain serious commitments elsewhere, especially when dreams of taking charge of Les Bleus remain unfulfilled. Dugarry's insight encapsulates this sentiment; the complex dynamics of Zidane’s feelings surrounding his potential career versus financial incentives through clubs like Saudi Arabia or Manchester United are undeniably intertwined with both national pride and personal legacy.
To add another layer, Zidane's interest in managing within the English Premier League also adds to the curiosity surrounding his choices. His passing comment, "never say never" concerning the possibility of taking on management roles in England showcased his awareness and willingness to evolve as both player and coach. But to clear the air, if Zidane is to tackle the Premier League’s challenges, he'd like to be fluent, demonstrating the level of commitment he requires for such moves.
Manchester United fans are undeniably enthused at the prospect of potentially seeing Zidane on the sidelines at Old Trafford; still, the reality is more complex. Ten Hag's current role means Zidane's path there isn't straightforward. Should United continue to struggle, Zidane's name will be continuously linked, but it remains to be seen how this affects both parties moving forward.
The information circulating about Zidane’s future may generate excitement and anticipatory speculation, but at its core, the true question remains: will he ever don the jersey of the French national team as manager? All indicators point toward his unwavering aspiration to lead his country. Until then, Zidane remains patient, allowing life and opportunity to present themselves on the grand football stage.