French football legend, Zinedine Zidane has reportedly turned down an eye-watering offer worth €100 million from Saudi Arabia to return to coaching, signaling that his heart lies with the France national team.
According to French sports outlet L’Équipe, the former Real Madrid boss refused the one-year contract proposal as he continues to wait for an opportunity to manage Les Bleus.
The Saudi offer, which would have made Zidane one of the highest-paid coaches in football history, came amid the country’s ongoing efforts to lure top footballing figures to its league. However, the former Ballon d’Or winner declined, staying committed to his long-standing ambition of coaching his home country.
Zidane, 51, is widely viewed as the heir apparent to current France coach Didier Deschamps, who is expected to step down after leading the national team through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Deschamps has been at the helm since 2012, guiding France to a World Cup victory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022. With his departure imminent, speculation about Zidane’s future has intensified.
This is not the first time Zidane has walked away from a coaching opportunity. Reports suggest he previously turned down a chance to manage Ligue 1 side Marseille, choosing instead to remain available for the national team position. Zidane has been selective in his career decisions since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
Support for Zidane’s appointment is strong within the French football community. France captain Kylian Mbappé, in a recent interview, expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of Zidane leading the national squad. “I no longer have to prove my love for Zidane. If he arrives [at the national team], it would be a great pleasure. I’d be extremely happy, but it is not my decision,” Mbappé said.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward’s comments reflect the respect Zidane commands among current players, many of whom grew up idolizing him. Zidane, who starred for France during their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs, remains one of the most revered figures in French football history.
Zidane’s coaching credentials are equally impressive. In addition to his Champions League successes, he won multiple domestic trophies with Real Madrid and is known for his calm leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to manage top-tier talent.
While Saudi Arabia’s offer demonstrates the global appeal of Zidane’s coaching pedigree, his decision to wait underscores a deeper connection to French football. It’s a calculated move that signals both patriotism and long-term planning.
With the 2026 World Cup still a year away, the French Football Federation has not made any official announcements regarding Deschamps’ successor.
Still, Zidane’s continued availability and refusal of lucrative foreign offers have only fueled expectations that his appointment may be a matter of time.
DailyPost
