New France head coach Zinedine Zidane has revealed he turned down multiple job offers over the last five years because he only wanted to lead Les Bleus. He was appointed after Didier Deschamps stepped down, ending a five‑year hiatus from coaching since his second stint at Real Madrid.

During his time at Real Madrid, Zidane won two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies (2016‑2018), cementing his reputation as a winner. He said he had ‘great projects’ but turned them all down, waiting for the France job. After Deschamps announced his intention to step down at the start of 2025, Zidane met French FA president Phillippe Diallo in February 2025 and secured the role.

Zidane insists he will maintain continuity while adding his own touch, noting the team’s magnificent run under Deschamps and the squad’s enormous potential. He denied idling, saying he watched more matches than when coaching Real Madrid and feels no worry about leading a national team for the first time.