Zidane refuses Belgium to wait for Deschamps' mandate

While Belgium is preparing to face the Bleus on Monday evening in the Nations League, it tried to lure Zinedine Zidane in early 2025. Vincent Mannaert, sporting director of the Belgian federation, contacted the French coach to replace him at the head of the national team after the dismissal of Domenico Tedesco.

Zidane's refusal

Zidane, nicknamed Zizou, quickly turned down the offer, explaining that he wanted to wait until the end of Didier Deschamps' term, scheduled after the 2026 World Cup, before taking the reins of the Bleus. He thus reaffirmed his loyalty to his personal project.

Belgian alternatives

After this refusal, Belgium turned to Rudi Garcia, who remained in post until the quarter‑final elimination at the 2026 World Cup against Spain. Mannaert's interest in Zidane dates back to 2015, when he was impressed by the coach's humility during a UEFA Pro course at Club Brugge.

Zidane scares off the spotlights: no catwalk, no hairdresser for Les Bleus

At the time, Zidane was coaching Real Madrid's reserve team and chose to spend training time with the players rather than staying in a luxury hotel. This choice illustrates his commitment to development and team cohesion.

Belgium's refusal shows that, despite an already rich career of eleven titles with Real Madrid, including three Champions Leagues, Zidane is waiting for the moment he deems ideal to lead the French team.

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