Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, France, Real Madrid, Football
Ryan Smart
Zinedine Zidane has dropped a bombshell on his long-awaited return to management in a new interview.
France legend Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in May 2021.
He has been linked with various roles across Europe, including at Manchester United, Chelsea, Marseille and Fenerbahce, but has so far resisted the temptation to return to management.
Zidane revealed in 2022 that he had no short-term plans to manage in England because he is not fluent in English.
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Reports have long linked him with taking over as the head coach of the France national team.
His former team-mate Didier Deschamps has held that role since 2014, but has announced he will step down at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Marca reported last year that Zidane would likely only consider roles with either France or at Real Madrid - where he would begin a third spell - if he was to make a comeback.
But there had been speculation that he may decide not to return to management at all.
However, as he prepares for a return to the pitch as a player in a charity match, Zidane has confirmed once and for all that he will, in fact, stand on the touchline once again as a manager.
He told reporters: "It will happen soon. Very soon."
While he did not name which team he is set to coach, Zidane spoke at the Trento Sports Festival last month and revealed his desire to take charge of France 'one day'.
He also addressed links with taking over at Juventus in the future - the club he played for between 1996 and 2001 - prior to the Italian giants sacking Igor Tudor. However, Luciano Spalletti has since been appointed as his replacement.
"I'd like to be the head coach of the France team one day," he said. "I will surely return to coaching.
"Me at Juventus? I don't know why it didn't happen. I always keep that team in my heart because it gave me a lot."