Zinedine Zidane's highly anticipated return to football management appears imminent, with the prestigious France national team job reportedly secured for the legendary former midfielder. However, intriguing reports from Spain have unveiled that one prominent Premier League club made a determined effort to recruit him in recent years.
A Managerial Resume of Unparalleled Success
Zidane's managerial credentials are nothing short of extraordinary. During his five-season tenure at the helm of Real Madrid, he masterminded the capture of nine major trophies. This glittering period included an unprecedented and historic achievement: guiding the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons.
Since his departure from the Santiago Bernabéu at the conclusion of the 2020-21 campaign, Zidane has been on a managerial hiatus. That break is now poised to end definitively, according to detailed reporting from the Spanish publication AS.
The Path to Leading Les Bleus
AS claims that the 53-year-old French icon is set to assume control of the French national team once the upcoming summer's World Cup tournament concludes. In this role, he would succeed his former international teammate, Didier Deschamps. The report strongly suggests that managing his country represents one of only two positions for which Zidane would consider ending his sabbatical, with the other being a potential return to Real Madrid.
Chelsea's Determined but Unsuccessful Courtship
Despite this clear preference, other elite clubs have persistently attempted to lure him back into the dugout. Foremost among these suitors was Chelsea Football Club. AS details that the London club 'strongly pursued the Frenchman' at some point in the past, though the exact timing of their advances remains unspecified.
It is a notable link, given Zidane's previous experience at Stamford Bridge—albeit as an opposing manager while in charge of Real Madrid. Since Zidane left his post in Madrid, Chelsea's managerial hotseat has seen remarkable turnover, with eight different figures occupying the role in either a permanent or interim capacity.
A Carousel of Chelsea Bosses
This list includes Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, interim boss Bruno Saltor, another interim spell for Frank Lampard, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca, interim manager Calum McFarlane, and the current incumbent, Liam Rosenior. This period of instability underscores the club's search for consistent leadership, making their reported interest in a proven winner like Zidane entirely logical.
Other Suitors and the Allure of the France Job
Chelsea was not alone in its admiration. Other clubs, including French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, have also reportedly tried to secure Zidane's services. AS notes that Al-Hilal 'showered him with millions of euros' in a lavish attempt to bring him to the Saudi Pro League, but even this substantial financial incentive failed to persuade the former Ballon d'Or winner.
This resistance highlights Zidane's selective criteria for his next role, firmly placing the French national team at the top of his agenda. His impending appointment marks a significant chapter for French football, uniting one of the nation's greatest ever players with the responsibility of guiding its future on the international stage.
