Thierry Henry recently reiterated that Zinedine Zidane has his sights set on managing the France national team, despite persistent rumors linking him to the Manchester United job. Zidane, a legendary figure in French football, played a key role in leading France to triumphs in both the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. His coaching career began with Real Madrid in 2016, where he made history as the first manager to win the Champions League three times consecutively.
Since ending his second tenure at Real Madrid in May 2021, Zidane has been without a club, though his name frequently surfaces in discussions for managerial roles. Clubs like Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United have all been rumored to want him at the helm. Recently, with Manchester United’s struggles under Erik ten Hag in the 2024/25 season, Zidane’s name has come up again as a potential successor.
While speculation has focused on whether Zidane might be interested in a Premier League role, some believe the language barrier could be an obstacle to him managing in England. Nevertheless, Zidane didn’t entirely rule out the possibility, stating in 2022, “never say never.” However, his former teammate, Thierry Henry, made it clear that Zidane’s main ambition is to lead the French national team.
In an interview with CBS Sports, Henry explained that Zidane seems to be holding out for the chance to take over from Didier Deschamps as France’s head coach. Henry remarked, “I think he is waiting for one thing and one thing only, and that’s the national team.” He also noted Zidane’s reluctance to take on other club roles, saying, “You won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, why would you go elsewhere when you could have the national team?”
When asked if he expected Deschamps’ role to become available soon, Henry admitted he wasn’t certain. But he emphasized that Zidane has remained patient, despite numerous job offers, as he remains committed to his dream of managing France. Henry’s comments highlight Zidane’s loyalty to his national roots and his desire to coach on the international stage.
Despite Zidane’s hopes, he is still waiting, as Deschamps has maintained his position as France’s head coach. Under Deschamps, France has continued to perform well, reaching the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and competing in the most recent European Championship. With a contract lasting through 2026, Deschamps appears secure in his role, leaving Zidane in a prolonged holding pattern for the position he desires most.
In the meantime, rumors may continue to swirl around Zidane’s next move, but if Henry’s assessment is correct, Zidane’s real aim remains unchanged. Only time will tell if he eventually achieves his dream of leading Les Bleus.
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