Zinedine Zidane Obtains European Coaching License: “Mission Accomplished”
Zinedine Zidane has reached an important milestone in his post-playing career. The legendary French footballer announced this Friday that he has officially obtained his European professional coaching license, marking a major step forward in his ambitions as a top-level manager.
“Very proud to have received my coaching diploma. Mission accomplished,” Zidane shared enthusiastically.
The former Real Madrid and France star, who had already served as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at Real Madrid, had steadily worked through the ranks to obtain the necessary credentials. His path included:
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UEFA B License (eligible to coach youth and amateur senior teams),
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BE1 (first-level state certificate),
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DEF (Diplôme d’Entraîneur de Football – allowing him to coach up to the French national level).
Zidane is now eligible to apply for the DEPF (Diplôme d’Entraîneur Professionnel de Football) in France, which would officially grant him the right to manage top-tier professional clubs. He is expected to validate that final step by spring 2016.
Last year, controversy surrounded his coaching qualifications in Spain. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) suspended him from coaching Real Madrid Castilla, claiming he lacked the appropriate European license. However, Zidane was later cleared by the Spanish Administrative Court of Sport (TAD) and reinstated as coach of Real Madrid’s reserve team.
With his license now in hand, Zidane is officially equipped to lead at the highest level — and expectations are that it’s only a matter of time before he takes charge of a major club, perhaps even Real Madrid’s first team.
