Not Barca, Coach Zidane points directly to the club on par with Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane is believed to consider only one European club as being on the same level as Real Madrid, and that club is not Barcelona.

Given the illustrious histories of Barcelona, Liverpool, or Manchester United, many might assume Zidane would pick one of these as equal to Real Madrid. However, according to a “close friend” of the 53-year-old legend, the answer is actually a different name.

In an interview with Source 1, cited by Foot Mundo in 2024, this friend revealed Zidane once said he would “return to Juventus” — the club he played for from 1996 to 2001 — or consider “France or Bayern Munich” for his future:

“He views Bayern like Real Madrid: a football institution, a club with a rich tradition and an excellent working environment,” the source stated.

“The two clubs share many similarities in how they operate. In this regard, Zidane has never dismissed the possibility. Zizou works like a true German, always goal-oriented, structured clearly, and attentive to every small detail.

Therefore, he would definitely adapt well. But if Bayern’s management wants to bring Zidane back, they must grant him full authority over football decisions and meet the conditions he sets.”

Still, the chance of Zidane coaching Bayern in the near future is slim, as current coach Vincent Kompany just led the “Bavarians” to win the 2024/25 Bundesliga and currently tops the domestic league by 6 points after 7 rounds.

Zinedine Zidane has undoubtedly etched his name into Real Madrid’s history. As a player, he lit up Santiago Bernabeu with his artistic midfield style, helping the Spanish royal club win a total of 6 titles, including a Champions League, an Intercontinental Cup, a European Super Cup, a La Liga title, and two Spanish Super Cups during 2001–2006.

At the national team level, Zidane was a key figure in France’s 1998 World Cup victory, scoring twice against Brazil in the final, and played a major role in winning Euro 2000 when Les Bleus defeated Italy.

After retiring in 2006, Zidane began his coaching path. He started with Real Madrid’s youth teams before being appointed head coach of the first team from 2016 to 2018. “Zizou” returned to the hot seat in 2019 and stayed until 2021. Although he only coached at the top level for a total of 4 years, Zidane helped Real Madrid win 11 titles, including two La Liga championships, three Champions League trophies, two European Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups across his two tenures.

Multiple sources indicate Zidane is being “reserved” for the role of head coach of the French national team, as Didier Deschamps may step down after the 2026 World Cup.

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