Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that one of his ambitions is to manage the French national team. Speaking at the Trento Sport Festival, the former Real Madrid boss reflected on his career, his coaching philosophy and his love for the game, while making it clear he intends to return to the dugout.
It has now been over four years since Zidane last held a managerial post, yet the French icon remains one of the most sought-after coaches in world football. Rumours linking him with Les Bleus have persisted, and this time, he openly admitted it is something he dreams of.
“Without a doubt, I’ll return to management,” Zidane said. “Juventus? I don’t know why it didn’t happen. They’ll always be in my heart because they gave me so much. I don’t know what the future holds, but one of my goals is to coach the France national team. We’ll see.”
Reflecting on his decision to move into management after hanging up his boots, he explained: “When I stopped playing, my life completely changed. After three years, I didn’t know what to do. I tried many things until I enrolled in the coaching course.
“Of all the managers I’ve had, I learned the most from Lippi — he was crucial for me. When I arrived in Italy, I struggled at first, but he always believed in me. Later, I worked with Ancelotti as both a player and his assistant — he’s a friend and an important figure in my career. He was a great coach because he listened to his players.”
For Zidane, passion remains at the heart of good management: “A good coach must be passionate — truly passionate — about football. It’s not just those who win who are good; some excellent coaches never win titles
“What matters most is being able to transmit something to your players. When you’re passionate, they feel it.”
Zidane, who enjoyed an 18-year playing career at the highest level, began at Cannes in 1988 and retired after the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
“It was my decision; it was what I wanted,” he recalled. “What I no longer enjoyed were the travel, the hotels, all of that. At 20, it’s fine — but later, it becomes exhausting. I could have played for another two or three years.”
He also looked back fondly on his childhood in Marseille: “Like all kids, I learned to love football on the streets. Forty-five years ago, in Marseille, I was always playing with the ball. I was passionate about it — and a Marseille fan, of course. My parents were Algerian and came to France for work. It wasn’t easy then, but I’m happy that my children have grown up respectful — that’s the most important thing for me.”
Finally, the French legend reflected on how the game has changed: “I think football has lost something compared to before. When I watch matches now, I want to see more attacking play. I do miss the football of the past a little.”
