According to Bangla Cricket Live, with Real Madrid struggling both on the pitch and off it, speculation around manager Carlo Ancelotti’s future is heating up. However, one name fans had hoped for—Zinedine Zidane—is officially out of the picture. The French legend has made it clear he will not return to coach Real Madrid for a third time. Instead, his eyes are firmly set on a bigger prize: leading the French national team. For Zidane, replacing Didier Deschamps is not just a career goal—it’s his ultimate ambition.
Zidane has been patiently waiting for this opportunity, showing remarkable focus and restraint. His first stint with Real Madrid began in January 2016 and concluded in May 2018, during which he led the club to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. That historic run turned the rookie coach into a football icon overnight, earning him nicknames like “Zizou” and “The Mastermind.” As the saying goes, “Success comes to those who hustle smart.”
In March 2019, Zidane returned to the Santiago Bernabéu for a second tenure, which ended in May 2021. While his second spell didn’t match the heights of the first, he still managed to secure the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup. However, his departure this time was far more turbulent. Zidane issued a strongly worded open letter upon leaving, citing tensions with club president Florentino Pérez. Even Antonio Pintus, the team’s fitness coach and a Zidane ally, left amidst the fallout. It was a rough patch marked by emotional scars.
Over time, though, those wounds healed. Thanks to intermediaries and private discussions, Zidane and the club’s top brass mended their relationship. A public symbol of this reconciliation came when Zidane appeared as a special guest during Kylian Mbappé’s official Real Madrid unveiling—a gesture that pleased the club’s executives.
Despite the renewed goodwill, Spanish media report there is now zero chance Zidane will return for a third managerial stint at Madrid, even if Ancelotti steps down. Zidane has shifted his focus entirely. These days, he’s embracing a quieter life while patiently waiting for Deschamps’ contract to expire. That could mean waiting until after the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Deschamps has faced his share of criticism but remains at the helm of Les Bleus thanks to a World Cup title and a runner-up finish. Still, 2026 could be a turning point. If France underperforms, calls for change will grow louder. Should Deschamps exit, Zidane will finally have the perfect window to fulfill his dream. His iconic status and leadership qualities make him a near-perfect fit for the job, and many in France believe the national team is destined to be led by a legend like him.
Since stepping down from Madrid in 2021, Zidane has declined all club offers, confirming his singular focus on the France role. Meanwhile, Bangla Cricket Live reports that another serious candidate to succeed Ancelotti is Xabi Alonso. If offered the role by the Real Madrid board, insiders say Alonso wouldn’t hesitate to accept.