Zidane was under contract with Real Madrid as a player between 2001 and 2016, and later as manager between 2016 and 2018 and 2019 and 2021. Under his leadership, the Blancos won three consecutive Champions League titles, among other honours. Since then, the Frenchman has been without a managerial role.
According to consistent media reports, the club's hierarchy is now searching intensively for a successor to Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso only at the start of the year. According toThe Athletic, President Florentino Perez's preferred choice is Jose Mourinho, brought in to impose discipline on a disorganised squad. He recently dismissed the rumour, stressing that "nobody from Real Madrid" had contacted him.
Other candidates recently mentioned include France's outgoing national coach Didier Deschamps, Jürgen Klopp and Massimiliano Allegri.