Zinedine Zidane Set to Leave Real Madrid, with Florentino Pérez’s Blessing
Zinedine Zidane is set to depart from his role at Real Madrid at the end of the current season, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. The announcement is reportedly made with the full support of club president Florentino Pérez, who has long harboured the ambition of seeing the French football legend take the reins at the helm of the prestigious club.
Pérez, who has worked closely with Zidane during his time at the Santiago Bernabéu as both a player and assistant coach, is said to have wholeheartedly backed Zidane’s decision to pursue a managerial career. The news signals the end of Zidane’s second stint at the club, following a remarkable period of success as both player and manager.
Zidane’s departure, while expected by some due to mounting pressure and the team’s inconsistent performances this season, marks the close of a highly influential chapter in the club’s modern history. Under his leadership, Real Madrid won three consecutive Champions League titles, solidifying his status as one of the most successful managers in recent memory.
Laurent Blanc, Zidane’s former French teammate, has voiced his support for Zidane’s decision to step into the managerial spotlight. Now the coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Blanc expressed admiration for Zidane’s courage in taking on such a responsibility.
“Zidane wants it, let him try,” Blanc said in his comments. “God knows we will be there to judge him, but he wants the responsibility on the pitch, and that’s fantastic. His experience will serve him well. He’ll have a lot of credit, but results are key, and even he can’t afford to not get them. He knows that, and despite everything, he wants to try. It’s superb.”
Zidane’s decision to leave Real Madrid comes at a time of transition for the club, with increasing scrutiny on their performances in La Liga and European competition. While Zidane’s legacy as a player remains firmly intact, his managerial tenure will now be defined by both his triumphs and challenges in the dugout.
With Zidane’s future now uncertain, speculation about his next steps has already begun. The prospect of managing a top club, or potentially taking on a national team role, has generated widespread interest. However, as Blanc notes, the path ahead for Zidane will be shaped by the results he delivers on the field, with his legacy as a manager still very much in the making.
