Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to take over the French national team now that the Manchester United job is off the table.
Ruben Amorim was unveiled as United's new head coach last week, ending any rumours of Zidane heading to Old Trafford in the near future. Despite whispers earlier this year that United co-owner Sir Jim Racliffe may have wanted the ex-midfielder for the top job, United ultimately went with Amorim following Erik ten Hag's dismissal.
The Portuguese is now set to kick off his tenure at Old Trafford on Monday, November 11. With many of Europe's elite clubs also seemingly out of the picture for Zidane, having already appointed their own managers, fans and pundits are left wondering where the French icon will land next.
Despite a trophy-laden two spells with Real Madrid, former PSG sporting director Leonardo reckons Zidane's destiny "lies with the French team". Speaking to French publication Le Figaro, the 1994 World Cup victor heaped praise on Zidane, who not only clinched the Champions League and La Liga with Madrid as a player, but also bagged three European Cups and a league title as a manager.
However, regardless of where Zidane ends up next, he did caution the former Ballon d'Or winner against taking the reins of the Brazilian national team. Leonardo, speaking about Zidane's qualities, said: "As a player, he had such qualities in his game... Gestures that everyone remembers, and it's no coincidence that he scored goals in World Cup and Champions League finals. He was unique on the pitch."
Three years after his departure from Real Madrid, Zidane's name has been frequently mentioned whenever a European powerhouse is in need of a new manager. Be it loose connections with United or rumours of taking over at Bayern Munich or PSG, Zidane has yet to commit to another European club, seemingly waiting for the ideal opportunity, reports the Manchester Evening News.
It's thought that Zidane has even been approached by several national teams, including Brazil, with the Selecao bosses picturing the ex-Juventus star leading the five-time World Cup champions. However, Zidane reportedly declined the offer - a decision Leonardo agrees with.
"In Brazil's case, it's a difficult time because there are problems with training and the federation," he said. "Maybe it's not the best thing for Zidane to come in charge of the Brazilian national team. Zidane's future lies with the French team, not Brazil. It makes more sense."
However, for Zidane's dream of managing France to become reality, many things would need to align. Current manager Didier Deschamps is still in position, and the Les Bleus coach's contract runs until the 2026 World Cup.
Despite leading France to World Cup victory in 2018 and another final in 2022, where they lost to Argentina, Deschamps could still face the chop from the French federation following a poor performance at the next World Cup.
Alternatively, he may choose to step down after the US-held tournament. Regardless of the decision made by the French, it seems probable that Zidane will be poised to take the reins of his country once more, this time from the sidelines.
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