Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has rejected a staggering €100 million one-year coaching offer from Saudi Arabia, according to French publication L'Équipe.
The French football legend reportedly turned down the lucrative deal as he has his sights set on managing the France national football team, a position that could become available after the 2026 FIFA World Cup when current head coach Didier Deschamps is expected to step down.
Zidane, who enjoyed tremendous success during his tenure at Real Madrid, has been widely tipped as the natural successor to Deschamps. This isn't the first major coaching opportunity the 1998 World Cup winner has declined, as reports indicate he previously turned down an offer to replace Marcelino at Marseille.
France captain Kylian Mbappé, who recently returned to the national team after a period of absence, has publicly expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of working under Zidane.
"I no longer have to prove my love for Zidane. If he arrives [at the France national team], it would be a great pleasure. I'd be extremely happy but it is not my decision," Mbappé stated.
The potential appointment of Zidane to lead Les Bleus has generated significant excitement among French football fans, given his legendary status as both a player and coach. His decision to wait for the France job rather than accept immediate opportunities, regardless of their financial value, demonstrates his deep connection to the national team.
Zidane has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles during his first spell and added another La Liga trophy in his second stint with the club.
