Besides Real Madrid, Coach Zidane aims to manage two other great European clubs

It is said that Coach Zinedine Zidane wants to coach only two elite European teams besides Real Madrid.

Since the Champions League was renamed from the European Cup in 1992, no club had ever successfully defended the title until Zinedine Zidane emerged. The French tactician cemented his legacy as one of Real Madrid’s greatest managers by winning the Champions League three consecutive times in 2016, 2017, and 2018 alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and his squad.

Zidane left the Bernabeu for the third time in 2021, after a spell as a player and two managerial terms at Real Madrid. Since then, although linked with many major clubs, he has yet to return to coaching.

It is no surprise that Real Madrid has recently been reported to have included Zidane among the top two candidates to replace Xabi Alonso, who is currently under significant pressure, according to sources from Spain. Everything the 53-year-old coach touches seems to lead to success, and president Florentino Perez would certainly be willing to bring him back to Bernabeu if Alonso’s appointment fails.

However, Zidane might feel it is time to seek a completely new challenge outside Real Madrid. There are rumors he could succeed Didier Deschamps as head coach of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. This opportunity may appeal to Zidane more than returning to club management.

At the club level, the only name apart from Real Madrid that comes to mind as a future destination for Zidane is Juventus, another major European club he played for during his career. Despite frequent links to Premier League clubs, his lack of fluency in English remains a significant barrier to working in England.

According to a close friend of Zidane, information published by Source 1 and Foot Mundo in 2024, the former Real Madrid coach “definitely does not want to go to England.” This friend also revealed that, in Zidane’s mind, there is only one other club on par with Real Madrid, and it is neither Barcelona nor even Juventus.

“Zidane is ready to return only to Juventus and will accept managing only Juventus, the French national team, or Bayern Munich,” the friend shared.

“He views Bayern Munich like Real Madrid: an institution, a club with a rich history and excellent working conditions.

“These two clubs share many similarities in their operations. In that sense, Zidane has never dismissed this possibility. Zizou works in a German style. He always focuses on goals, structured work, and pays special attention to every detail.

“Therefore, Zidane would definitely fit in well. But if Bayern’s management wants to invite him, they must grant him full control over sporting matters and meet his demands.”

Ultimately, Bayern Munich chose Vincent Kompany to succeed Thomas Tuchel and has been achieving positive results. Nevertheless, being regarded by Zidane as the only club equal to Real Madrid is a source of pride for the German team, as it is recognition from one of the greatest players and coaches in football history.