French football icon Zinedine Zidane has revealed that coaching the France national team was the only managerial role he truly wanted after leaving Real Madrid.
The former Real Madrid manager disclosed that he turned down several offers over the past four to five years because his main ambition was to eventually take charge of Les Bleus.
“After Real Madrid, I only wanted one job: France. I rejected multiple offers in the last four or five years,” Zidane said, explaining his decision to wait for the opportunity to lead his country.
Zidane, who enjoyed a highly successful playing career with France and later guided Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles as a coach, has long been linked with the national team position.
The 53-year-old has been considered to manage France following Didier Deschamps’ exit after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and a semi-final in the just-ended 2026 World Cup, has been one of the most successful managers in the country’s history.
Speaking about his football philosophy, Zidane said he wants his teams to play an attractive style of football focused on attacking quality and scoring goals.
He explained that his approach is influenced by his own experience as an attacking midfielder during his playing days.
“The game I want? I was a number 10. I want to play great football and score goals,” he said.
French Football Federation (FFF) President Philippe Diallo also praised Zidane’s mentality, revealing that the former Ballon d’Or winner expressed confidence in his ability to deliver success.
“Zidane told me: ‘President, I know how to win,’” Diallo said.
Zidane’s managerial record has strengthened his reputation as one of football’s most successful coaches. During his first spell at Real Madrid, he won three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and several other major honours before stepping away from club management.
