Zidane turned down a return to Real to stay loyal to the Blues

In the corridors of the Santiago Bernabéu, the name of Zinédine Zidane still echoes. Even before becoming the manager of the French national team, the Frenchman could have taken back the bench at Real Madrid, the club he left in 2021, when an offer appeared in December 2025.

Despite his departure from Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane retains a special place in the mind of Florentino Pérez, the club’s owner. The Frenchman still lives in Madrid, where he regards the city as his home.

A Real offer in December 2025

Le Parisien reports that, while Xabi Alonso’s seat was wavering, Real Madrid got back in touch with Zidane to consider a third stint at the helm. Pérez would thus have tried to recall him, hoping to benefit from his experience.

Zidane is said to have turned down this prospect, his future already seeming directed towards the French national team. No position was therefore assigned immediately, and Xabi Alonso remained in charge for a few more weeks.

Zidane enjoys daily freedom in Madrid that France no longer grants him

This choice was not insignificant; succeeding Didier Deschamps had long been Zidane’s top priority. Waiting for the French national team meant staying without a club for several months, whereas a return to Real would have offered an immediate role in one of the most powerful teams in the world.

The decision highlights the importance Zidane places on France, even though Real remains his beloved club. Madrid remains his place of residence, but he would have given up a third spell to preserve the possibility of leading his country.

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The return to Real never materialised, while Zidane did secure the bench he truly wanted, that of the French national team.