Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former French footballer, remains a beloved figure among fans, yet his future seems uncertain as he steps back from managing any major European club. Zidane was recently highlighted during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, which took place on July 26, where he showcased his iconic presence.
Invited by Tony Estanguet, Zidane opened the ceremony with a performance recorded at the Stade de France alongside comedian Jamel Debbouze. Hours later, he made another appearance at the Trocadéro, where he handed the Olympic flame to tennis great Rafael Nadal. Zidane's involvement underscored his enduring celebrity status, especially as he was included in the 'Top 50 favorite personalities of the French' list compiled by Ifop for the Sunday Newspaper, ranking him 17th overall.
Despite no longer managing the French national team or any top club following Didier Deschamps' extension until the 2026 World Cup, Zidane’s charm remains intact. Having previously been crowned the favorite personality of the French six times between 2000 and 2007, he stands strong against current favorites. His recent ranking at 17th demonstrates his continued relevance, especially within the cultural fabric of contemporary France.
Notably, Zidane leads other footballers on this list, with rising athletes like Teddy Riner, Léon Marchand, and Antoine Dupont overtaking many traditional sports stars. Riner is positioned 3rd, underscoring the generational shift as he, along with Marchand, takes prominence following their successes at the Olympics.
What’s fascinating is the comparative decline of other football luminaries. Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé, both vice-champions from the 2022 World Cup, have faced scrutiny following their performances during Euro 2024, falling to 32nd and 36th, respectively, signaling shifts within public adoration.
Though Zidane has not actively participated as a manager since his tenure at Real Madrid, this recent publicity around the Paris Olympic ceremony could reignite discussions about his potential return to the sideline, should the right opportunity arise. For now, both fans and sports analysts are left pondering what lies next for this adored icon of French football.
Despite the uncertainty shrouding his future coaching role, one thing remains clear: Zidane's legacy is not easily overshadowed by current events or shifting preferences. The upcoming years will be telling as he explores new avenues, possibly returning to the managerial roles which once defined his post-playing career.