Zidane reveals he turned down all jobs for France

Zinedine Zidane admits he refused every club offer for five years to wait for the France job.

Z. Zidane

coach

View profile →

What happened. Zinedine Zidane was announced as France's new head coach, replacing Didier Deschamps, and revealed he turned down all other jobs for five years to take the role.

• Zidane met FA president Diallo in February 2025 to express interest.
• Deschamps stepped down after 12 years, winning World Cup 2018 and Nations League 2021.
• Zidane won two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues at Real Madrid.

“I told myself that the only thing I wanted to do after Real Madrid was the French national team.”

— Zinedine Zidane

Zidane now faces the challenge of maintaining France's success after Deschamps' golden era.

In this story

Z. ZidaneFrance

More to read

Daily Mail Football

Zinedine Zidane is announced as France's new manager on a four-year-deal - as football icon succeeds former team-mate Didier Deschamps

BBC Sport

Zidane confirmed as new France manager

Get French Football

Official | Zinédine Zidane appointed France’s national team manager

Get French Football

Former Ballon d’Or winner ‘seriously happy’ that Zinedine Zidane is the French manager

GiveMeSport

Plan to Betray UEFA Boycott: France Working With Gianni Infantino

Get French Football

Official | Zinédine Zidane’s homecoming game against Italy as France manager sold out