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Zinedine Zidane endured a five-year wait, weathered three major international tournaments, and turned down a host of tempting offers from some of the world's biggest clubs before finally landing his dream role as manager of the French national team. Judging by his demeanor, he appears to be savoring every moment of that hard-earned reward.
Zidane is someone who guards his public image with extraordinary care. He once refused to allow his face to appear on shopping bags, concerned that seeing his likeness trodden underfoot among discarded plastic would tarnish his reputation.
Yet, the composed exterior he typically projects was nowhere to be seen as he watched Michael Olise net France's only goal in a narrow victory against Belgium on Monday evening. After his substitute curled a clean strike into the bottom corner, Zidane bolted down the touchline, bounding along with the exaggerated, joyful leaps of a child splashing through puddles.
At the end of his celebratory sprint, Zidane came across a ball perched on a cone, which he promptly launched down the touchline with an awkward straight-legged swing. It was quite the spectacle, and footage of it quickly spread across the globe.
"I was right there with him as he took off," a beaming Zidane told reporters while reviewing the clip. "I was completely caught up in the moment."
"The moment I saw him begin his run, I knew the goal was coming," Zidane continued. Now that the world has witnessed this symbol of composure willingly lose himself in the heat of a Nations League match, it is abundantly clear just how deeply committed the Frenchman is to this new chapter of his career.
Why Zidane Rejected Man Utd and Others to Take Over France
Zidane's previous managerial stint concluded at Real Madrid in the summer of 2021. Over the following five years, a lengthy queue of clubs attempted to lure the iconic former midfielder back into management, with Manchester United repeatedly linked as frontrunners to sign the Ballon d'Or winner. However, Zidane showed no interest in a move to Old Trafford or anywhere else, remaining singularly focused on succeeding Didier Deschamps as the leader of Les Bleus.
"During the four or five years I was away from football, I received offers to manage clubs. I declined every single one for the sake of the French national team, because that was the only position I wanted after leaving Real Madrid," Zidane explained at his long-anticipated unveiling in July.
"I've said it on many occasions: nothing compares to the French national team," he added. "It is an enormous source of joy. I am thrilled about where I find myself today. I feel calm, yet there is a great deal of emotion within me. I am ready for this challenge — that is what fuels me."