Zinedine Zidane hasn't coached for a while, since he decided to end his time at Real Madrid. However, he has never stopped being talked about. Every time an important bench has become available, his name has always appeared among the candidates.
Juventus wanted him. PSG did too. Even the Premier League tempted the Frenchman with ambitious projects, but nothing has convinced him.
The coach, who won the European championship twice as a player and three times as a coach, has always been clear whenever he has spoken: only Real Madrid and the French national team motivate him. Anything else seems insufficient to him, and he has shown it again.
Not even Juve has made him change his mind
It's no secret that Zidane left his mark in Turin. He excelled there before signing for Real Madrid. He has a relationship of respect and admiration with the Italian club and its directors.
However, not even that has been enough. Juve has offered him the keys to the project and a contract on par with the best coaches in the world. But Zidane has said "no."
In his closest circle, the decision was clear from the beginning. There was only one way to see him return to the field: a bench with a white heart or a French accent.
Florentino Pérez, with whom he has a relationship that goes beyond friendship, knew it before anyone else. That's why he has been very alert to the latest developments in recent weeks.
An opportunity he couldn't refuse
After waiting a long time, Zidane has agreed to coach again. But it won't be at a club. Nor at a major European team.
His decision has surprised many, but not those who know how he thinks. Zidane has said yes to the French national team.
It will be in 2026 when his friend Didier Deschamps leaves the position of French coach and Zizou takes over.
He wants to prepare the new generation of French footballers and lead an exciting project, close to home, with time, calm, and without excessive pressure.
For Zidane, there are no other options: either Real Madrid or the French national team. He has already built a career with the white team, and with distinction. France was the missing piece.
Florentino celebrates it in silence
At Real Madrid, there are no reproaches. On the contrary. Zidane is one of their own.
The fact that he has refused to return to Juventus—the club that was his springboard—only strengthens his image as a Madrid legend. Florentino knows it and, even if he doesn't say it publicly, he feels at ease.
Zidane won't coach any direct rival. He remains a Madridist.
For now, he is stepping away from the white club. However, his path and Madrid's seem destined to cross again.
It's only a matter of time. Zidane hasn't had his last word at Bernabéu.
After the years go by, when he finishes his time as national coach, Real Madrid will be waiting for him.