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Zidane's coaching career: Looking at the coaching career of the football legend
Kevin Omuya
April 2, 2024 at 7:43 PM
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A large portion of the footballing world considers Zinedine Zidane to be among the all-time greats. The Frenchman was a top-tier playmaker during his prime for Real Madrid, Juventus, and Bordeaux, and he became one of the best managers of all time. Zidane's coaching career cemented his place among the best managers following his achievements with Real.
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Many football enthusiasts and experts have considered Zinedine Zidane a legend since his playing days. Some of his competition victories as a player include La Liga, Serie A, and the Champions League. He has also won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA Player of the Year awards.
Zidane's coaching career
The French star began coaching in the 2014-15 season following his appointment as the head coach of Real Madrid's Castilla, the reserve squad. Before joining the youth team, Zidane served as Carlo Ancelotti's assistant coach for Real Madrid's first squad.
According to BeSoccer, Zidane took over the senior team in 2016, replacing Rafael Benitez, who stepped down. The French legend revived Real's lost hopes by interrupting FC Barcelona's 39-game unbeaten streak with a 2-1 victory in El Clásico.
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He capped off an impressive debut season with the UEFA Champions League trophy in his trophy case, joining an exclusive club of players who have won the tournament as players and managers. Madrid also won the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup in December.
Zidane broke Luis Enrique's record of 39 games with Barcelona by going 40 games undefeated. It was icing on the cake when Madrid won La Liga that same season. The Frenchman won the FIFA Best Men's Coach Award in 2017, as reported by Punch.
Madrid declined in the 2017-18 season, finishing third in La Liga and second in their Champions League pool. Despite their dismal league performance, the club stepped up in the UEFA Champions League, defeating Liverpool 3-1 in the final to claim their 13th overall and third consecutive Champions League crown.
Zidane's coaching career stats
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According to his Transfermarkt stats, the legendary French footballer coached Los Blancos from 2016 to 2021. He managed them in 263 games, recording a 66% winning percentage. Here is Zidane's Real Madrid coaching career record.
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Matches | 263 |
Wins | 174 |
Draws | 53 |
Losses | 36 |
Goals scored | 605 |
Goals conceded | 267 |
Points | 575 |
Zidane's coaching career trophies
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Zidane won eleven titles throughout his managerial career with Los Blancos. He is one of the most successful Real Madrid managers in the club's history.
Tournament | Titles won | Years |
La Liga | 2 | 2016-17, 2019-20 |
Supercopa de Espana | 2 | 2017, 2019-20 |
UEFA Champions League | 3 | 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 |
UEFA Super Cup | 2 | 2016, 2017 |
FIFA Club World Cup | 2 | 2016, 2017 |
Zidane's coaching record against Barcelona
The French manager faced Real Madrid's arch-rivals Barcelona nine times, including seven times in La Liga and twice in the 2017 Spanish Super Cup, according to Managing Madrid. Zidane's team won four games, drew three and lost in two games against Barca.
Los Blancos also scored 14 goals against Barca under Zidane. They also managed (+21) total shots and (+12) shots on target (+12).
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Zidane's coach salary
Zinedine Zidane was one of the best-paid managers during his time. The French legend reportedly earned an annual basic wage of $13 million plus add-ons in his three-year deal with the Spanish giants, as reported by Dario AS.
In July 2021, Business Standard ranked him as the third-highest-paid football coach at $22.6 million, behind Diego Simeone of Atletico Madrid ($46.5 million) and Manchester City's Pep Guardiola ($23.7 million).
What made Zidane become a coach?
Zidane's coaching history with Real Madrid is impressive following his achievements. He told Sport et Style about his desire to start something different and new a few years after retiring from playing.
"I know a lot of people think that I'm someone who doesn't talk enough, and they must ask themselves how I can be a manager when I speak so little. To be a manager, it's my new battle so as not to stay in my comfort zone.
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"With the name that I have, I'm obviously putting myself in danger on the bench. When you look at the problem from that angle, you should never be a manager. But I don't look at it that way."
Frequently asked questions
After he departed Real Madrid in 2021, Zinedine Zidane took a hiatus from coaching. He has reportedly received offers from multiple clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, but turned them down. Here are more facts about the legendary coach.
When did Zidane start coaching?
Zidane joined Real Madrid as an assistant manager in 2013 before transitioning to managing the club's reserve, Real Madrid Castilla, in 2014. He took over the senior team in January 2016 after Los Blancos made a coaching change in the middle of the season.
How many trophies did Zidane win as a coach?
The Frenchman guided Los Blancos to 11 titles during his tenure. Zidane won the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, two La Liga crowns, three UEFA Champions League titles, and two Supercopa de España trophies.
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What teams did Zidane play in?
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Zidane was an offensive midfielder during his time. He played for Real Madrid, Juventus, Cannes, and Bordeaux, establishing himself among the greatest players ever. He was renowned for elegance, vision, and technique on the field.
Is Zidane in charge of a team?
The legendary footballer has not coached any team since stepping down from his role at Real Madrid in 2021. Some believe he is eyeing the French national team job despite reportedly turning down other offers.
Final word
The French icon has received overwhelming praise for his tactical genius and achievements with Real Madrid. Zidane's coaching career has already edged his name into the annals of coaching greatness despite only having six years of experience at the senior level.
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