Without a club since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, Zinedine Zidane has nevertheless had numerous opportunities to return to service. The French manager has turned down several European clubs, including Manchester United.
Every summer, Zinedine Zidane's name is linked with one or more European heavyweights. For example, there was talk of PSG in 2022 or even yet another return to Real Madrid this summer. Ultimately, the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner is still without a club. The logical next step appears to be the France national team. Didier Deschamps will leave his position as national team manager after the 2026 World Cup and Zizou will, barring a catastrophe, succeed him.
Zinedine Zidane will therefore potentially have waited five years to return to a dugout. What is certain is that the French coach has not lacked proposals. During an interview with media outlet Carre, his long-time assistant David Bettoni provided a non-exhaustive list of clubs turned down by the former playmaker. It is official: the three-time Champions League winner with the Merengues has refused OM, his beloved club.
Zidane refused OM but does not completely close the door
“I am not saying he will not one day manage Manchester, Bayern Munich, Marseille, I do not know… But yes, he refused them. When he was no longer a coach, every club looking for a coach called Zizou,” confided Zinedine Zidane's former assistant at Real Madrid. However, David Bettoni added that it was not impossible that one day, the Marseille native could take charge of the club from the Phocaean city.
“It could be feasible because it is OM, it is Marseille, it is the club of his city. If at some point in his career he feels something can happen, it is a club that can attract him,” added the former FC Sion coach. For the moment, managing OM does not appear to be a priority for Zinedine Zidane, who is more focused on the France national team. Even though he never wore Marseille's shirt, Zizou remains attached to this club, with whom he still has a whole story to write. Perhaps in a few years' time.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
