Zinedine Zidane Drops Strong Hint Over Potential Real Madrid Return
- Real Madrid parted ways with Xabi Alonso by mutual consent less than 24 hours after their Supercopa de España defeat to Barcelona
- Zinedine Zidane has hinted at an imminent return to coaching, intensifying speculation linking him with a potential Real Madrid comeback
- Former Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp and Zidane have both been mentioned as potential Alonso replacement
Zinedine Zidane has already offered a hint about a potential return to football amid growing speculation linking him with a comeback to Real Madrid.
On Monday, January 12, less than 24 hours after suffering defeat to Barcelona in the Supercopa de España final, Real Madrid confirmed they had parted ways with head coach Xabi Alonso.
Source: Getty Images
According to Sky Sports, the club described the decision as a separation by “mutual consent” and announced that Álvaro Arbeloa would take temporary charge of the first team.
In an official statement, Los Blancos said:
“Real Madrid CF announces that, by mutual agreement between the club and Xabi Alonso, it has been decided to end his time as first team coach.
“Xabi Alonso will always have the affection and admiration of all Madrid fans because he is a Real Madrid legend and has always represented the values of our club. Real Madrid will always be his home. Our club thanks Xabi Alonso and his entire technical team for their work and dedication during this time and wishes them the best of luck in this new stage of their lives.”
Alonso also released a statement of his own, describing the opportunity to manage Real Madrid as a great honour despite the disappointing ending. The former midfielder wrote on Instagram:
“This professional chapter has come to an end, and it hasn’t turned out as we would have liked. Coaching Real Madrid has been an honour and a responsibility.
“I thank the club, the players, and above all, the fans and the Madridista community for their trust and support. I leave with respect, gratitude, and the pride of having done my best.”
Arbeloa, who previously played for the Spanish giants, now steps into the role.
Source: Getty Images
Zidane speaks on Real Madrid return
In the wake of the managerial change, high-profile names such as Jurgen Klopp and Zinedine Zidane have been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Zidane, 53, previously managed Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018 before returning for a second spell in 2019. He left the club again in 2021 and has remained without a managerial position since then.
In November 2025, Zidane was asked about the possibility of returning to football. As reported by GOAL, he responded:
“It will happen soon. Very soon.”
Zidane has also been strongly linked with the France national team job, with Didier Deschamps expected to step down after the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking about the prospect of managing his country, Zidane added:
“I’d like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching.”
Zidane linked with Manchester United job
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Zidane could replace Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager.
On January 1 of this year, Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim after 14 months in charge, leaving the club sixth in the Premier League table.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
