Zinedine Zidane’s Return to Football Management: Turkish Giants Fenerbahce Beckon
A Legend’s Potential Return
A surprising development has emerged in the football world as Zinedine Zidane, who has been without a managerial role since stepping down as Real Madrid head coach in 2021, is reportedly set to return to management.
Distinguished Career and Recent Developments
The French legend’s managerial career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with his tenure at Real Madrid yielding an impressive 11 trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and multiple other prestigious honors.
According to Turkish media reports on September 8, Zidane has been in talks with Fenerbahce and has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to take over as the club’s manager. The French tactician is expected to travel to Turkey once negotiations regarding salary and contract details are finalized.
The Turkish Connection
This potential appointment follows Fenerbahce’s recent decision to part ways with Jose Mourinho, with club president Alic Koç stating that the change was necessary for the team to ‘play better football.’ Interestingly, Turkish football clubs are currently experiencing a unique advantage, as they receive UEFA competition payments in Euros while dealing with local inflation, making them potentially attractive destinations for top-tier talent.
Future Aspirations
While this move might be unexpected, Zidane’s long-term ambitions appear to be focused on the French national team position, which could become available after Didier Deschamps steps down following the 2026 World Cup. Loyalty has been a significant factor in Zidane’s career decisions, with the manager being highly selective about his next role.
However, it’s worth noting that these reports primarily originate from Turkish media sources, and there’s no confirmation of Zidane’s imminent arrival. The football world eagerly awaits official confirmation of this potentially game-changing appointment.