Spanish media reports have revealed details of Real Madrid's attempt to bring back their legendary former coach, Zinedine Zidane, for a historic third stint at the helm. According to the Spanish newspaper AS, direct contact was made between the club's management, headed by Florentino Pérez, and the French coach last December, during a period of uncertainty surrounding the future of current coach Carlo Ancelotti. However, the offer was rejected by Zidane for strategic reasons related to his professional future.
Historical context: Zidane's golden legacy in Madrid
The significance of this endeavor cannot be fully grasped without revisiting Zinedine Zidane's illustrious history with Real Madrid. As a coach, Zidane led Real Madrid in two separate stints, achieving exceptional success in each. In his first spell (2016-2018), he made history by guiding the team to three consecutive Champions League titles, an unprecedented feat in the modern era of the competition, in addition to winning La Liga and the Club World Cup. In his second spell (2019-2021), he secured another La Liga title under challenging circumstances, cementing his place as one of the most successful coaches in the club's illustrious history. His departure in 2021 came after a demanding season and a feeling of insufficient support from the board, but his relationship with the club and its president has significantly improved since then.
Why now? Ancelotti's future and his connection to Brazil
Real Madrid's attempt to contact Zidane came at a crucial time. Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti's contract was nearing its end, and speculation about his move to coach the Brazilian national team was mounting, to the point that the Brazilian Football Confederation had almost officially announced it. This situation prompted Real Madrid's management to search for a strong and reliable replacement to ensure the stability of the sporting project, and Zidane was the first and most logical choice, given his deep knowledge of the club and his ability to manage a dressing room full of stars.
The dream of training "The Roosters" temporarily closes the door
Despite his strong ties to Real Madrid, Zidane's response was clear and decisive. The main reason behind his refusal was his greater ambition to coach the French national team. Zidane has never hidden the fact that leading "Les Bleus" is his ultimate dream after his career as a player and club coach. With current coach Didier Deschamps under contract until the 2026 World Cup, Zidane sees this as his long-awaited opportunity to fulfill his dream. His commitment to this goal has led him to reject all offers he has received since leaving Madrid, including those from major clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, emphasizing that his absolute priority is the French national team.
Impact and future prospects
Zidane's refusal led to a change in Real Madrid's strategy. The board decided to preempt the rumors and renew Carlo Ancelotti's contract until 2026, a decision that proved highly successful after the team won La Liga and the Champions League the following season. As for Zidane, he remains on a self-imposed sabbatical, awaiting developments after the 2026 World Cup. Although the door seems closed for now, Zidane's relationship with Real Madrid remains exceptional, and observers do not rule out the possibility of his return for a third stint in the distant future, but only after he first achieves his national dream with his country.
