Although Zidane remains adored at Real Madrid, the club are in no position to make a change right now. Xabi Alonso, fresh from success at Bayer Leverkusen, has Los Blancos in strong form and looks set for a long-term project.
Paris Saint-Germain is also an improbable destination due to Zidane’s history with Marseille. Meanwhile, Juve are rebuilding but are far from the heights Zidane once knew and have recently hired Luciano Spalletti. That leaves the French national team, a job of cultural importance, emotional weight and long-term legacy.
Zidane has unfinished business with Les Bleus. His career for France ended in controversy after the 2006 World Cup final red card, leading France to a major title as manager would provide a narrative arc that is symbolic and redemptive. For now, Zidane has not signed anything, but his message is clear that the comeback is close. All eyes now turn to the timeline around the France bench. While, Deschamps will lead Les Bleus through the 2026 World Cup and then step aside.