Zinedine Zidane has reportedly rejected a huge offer from Al Hilal worth over €100 million for just one season, according to French outlet L’Équipe.

Reason: avoiding a clash with Madrid

The former Real Madrid boss is said to have turned down the deal mainly because he didn’t want to face his beloved club in the upcoming Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 14. At 52, Zidane still has a strong emotional bond with Los Blancos and didn’t want to be on the opposite side of the pitch.

Al Hilal, who parted ways with Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus in May, are now back in the market for a high-profile manager to lead them at the tournament. After Zidane’s rejection, the Saudi giants are expected to reignite their interest in Simone Inzaghi, the current Inter Milan coach, who had already been on their radar.

Zidane still waiting on France

Zidane is still hoping to take charge of the French national team, a role he’s openly been aiming for over the years. All signs point to him waiting for Didier Deschamps’ contract to end in mid-2025, before making his move.

A Ballon d’Or winner in 1998, Zidane remains one of the most sought-after coaches in world football, largely thanks to his incredible stint at Real Madrid, where he won three straight Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.