Zinedine Zidane Returns to the Bernabéu and Sets Sights on France Coaching Job: A New Era Begins?

Zidane reappears at the Bernabéu on a Champions League night and rumors explode: everything points to him preparing to take charge of France… with Mbappé in focus.

Zidane reappears at the Bernabéu amid explosive rumors

The return of Zinedine Zidane to the Santiago Bernabéu was anything but ordinary. This wasn’t just a nostalgic visit or a casual appearance on a Champions League night. It felt like a statement—one that shakes the European football landscape and fuels speculation.

Amid growing rumors linking him to the France national team job, the French coach was spotted in the stands during the clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. His presence did not go unnoticed: cameras, fans, and media quickly interpreted it as something more than symbolic.

According to reports across Europe, Zidane is positioning himself as the leading candidate to take over France, and his visit to the Bernabéu could be part of that process. He didn’t just return to his old home—he did so in a setting filled with players who could soon be under his command.

A night of scouting: Mbappé and company under the spotlight

Beyond the action on the pitch, all eyes turned to the stands… specifically to Zidane. The match provided the perfect stage: several French internationals who could be key in his future project were in action.

For Madrid: Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga. For Bayern: Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise. All French. All potential pillars of the next Les Bleus cycle.

And it’s no small detail. Mbappé, who scored the goal that keeps Real Madrid alive in the tie, stood out as a central figure. His leadership, attacking power, and global status make him the cornerstone of France’s future—and Zidane knows it.

Zidane, the coach waiting for the right moment

Since leaving Real Madrid in December 2021, Zidane has turned down multiple offers. Top clubs like Chelsea, and even lucrative projects in Saudi Arabia tried to lure him. None succeeded.

Why? Because, according to multiple reports, Zidane has only two destinations in mind: Real Madrid… or the France national team.

His résumé speaks for itself. With Madrid, he won 11 trophies, including Champions League titles, LaLiga, and the Spanish Super Cup. His winning mentality, dressing room management, and deep connection to French football make him the natural choice to lead the national team.

Madrid falls… but Zidane takes center stage

The result left a bitter taste for Real Madrid, who fell 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the quarterfinals. Still, Mbappé’s goal keeps the tie alive ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena.

But beyond the scoreline, the biggest story of the night was elsewhere. It was the image of Zidane in the stands, watching, analyzing, projecting.

Because while Madrid fights to stay alive in the Champions League, Zidane seems to be taking the first steps toward his next major challenge. And all signs point to that challenge being France.