Mansion Sports – Zinedine Zidane has reignited excitement in the football world after revealing that he plans to return to coaching “very soon.” 

The former Real Madrid manager has been on hiatus since 2021, but with Didier Deschamps widely expected to step down as France’s head coach following the 2026 World Cup, speculation surrounding Zidane’s future has intensified. His recent remarks strongly suggest that his time away from the touchline is nearing its end.

Zidane’s Hint Sparks Speculation About His Coaching Return

The French legend has once again fueled discussion about his managerial comeback after confirming that his return to coaching is imminent. 

During a charity event in Toulon, the 1998 World Cup winner was asked about his plans and offered a brief but telling response: “It will happen soon. Very soon.”

Zidane has not managed any team since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, and his prolonged absence has only deepened curiosity, especially as numerous major clubs have changed coaches over the past three years. 

Despite being linked with several high-profile opportunities, Zidane has remained patient, cautious, and selective. 

His long silence had led some to believe he might have stepped away from coaching entirely, but his latest comments indicate that a return is imminent.

Zidane’s Remarks at the Toulon Charity Event and Trento Sports Festival

Zidane made his comments while attending a charity gala in Toulon, where he was unable to participate due to a minor thigh injury. 

“We’re getting older, and unfortunately, sometimes injuries happen. For now, I’ll be back coaching for a while,” Zidane said jokingly, subtly confirming his readiness to return to management.

This was not the first time Zidane had spoken about his future in recent weeks. At the Trento Sports Festival last month, he expressed his long-held ambition to manage the French national team. “I want to be the head coach of the French national team one day,” he stated. “I will definitely coach again.”

His comments align with long-standing reports suggesting that Zidane has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to take charge of Les Bleus.

Didier Deschamps, who has managed France since 2014, is under contract until after the 2026 World Cup and has already confirmed that he intends to step down following the tournament. That timeline seems to perfectly match Zidane’s measured approach.

Zidane also addressed past rumors linking him to Juventus, saying: “Me at Juventus? I don’t know why it didn’t happen. I’ve always kept that club close to my heart because it gave me so much.”

The Long-Awaited Return of Zinedine Zidane

Zidane occupies a unique place in world football, both as a legendary player and a highly respected coach. 

During his two stints at Real Madrid, he guided the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles — a historic feat in the modern era — as well as two La Liga crowns.

He first took charge of the senior team in 2016 after managing Real Madrid Castilla. Following two successful years that culminated in European glory, Zidane surprised the football world by stepping down, only to return less than a year later when Madrid struggled under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.

Zidane eventually left the club again in May 2021 and has since turned down multiple coaching offers, with the French national team appearing to be the natural next step in his managerial journey.

Real Madrid No Longer an Option, France the Most Likely Destination

Although Zidane remains a beloved figure at Real Madrid, the club currently has no reason to make changes at the helm. 

Xabi Alonso, who has thrived with Bayer Leverkusen, now leads Los Blancos with impressive results and appears set to be part of the club’s long-term vision.

Paris Saint-Germain is also considered an unlikely destination due to Zidane’s well-known ties to Marseille, while Juventus is in the midst of a rebuilding phase under newly appointed coach Luciano Spalletti.

Given these circumstances, the French national team emerges as the most logical and meaningful option — one that carries emotional, cultural, and historical significance.

Zidane still has unfinished business with Les Bleus, as his illustrious international playing career ended controversially with a red card in the 2006 World Cup final. Leading France to major glory as a manager would represent a powerful moment of redemption.

For now, Zidane has not signed any official agreement, but his message is clear: his return to coaching is imminent. 

All attention now turns to the timeline surrounding the French managerial position, with Deschamps set to guide Les Bleus through the 2026 World Cup before stepping aside.