The ex-Real Madrid manager has been devoid of a coaching position since his departure from Los Blancos in 2021.
A European club has allegedly finalised a deal with Zinedine Zidane to assume the position of head coach, as reported by the national media.
Zidane, 53, has not held a management position since resigning as head coach of Real Madrid in 2021.
Throughout his tenure with Los Blancos, he secured a total of 11 trophies: three consecutive UEFA Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Supercopa de España titles, during two separate periods of leadership at the La Liga powerhouse.
Since leaving Real in May 2021, ‘Zizou’ has not resumed management, although reports indicate he is awaiting the France national team position, as current head coach Didier Deschamps is expected to resign following next summer’s World Cup.
The 53-year-old previously articulated his aspiration to lead France in an interview with the Spanish publication MARCA earlier this year.
Zidane articulated, “When the moment arrives, it will be a significant pleasure if the opportunity presents itself.”
“I have temporarily paused my career, yet I genuinely identify as a coach.”
Just as his further career advancement appeared assured, he has now allegedly finalised an agreement with a team outside of Europe’s premier five leagues.
On Monday, September 8, Turkish media, notably Sabah, reported that Zidane has entered discussions with Fenerbahce over the position of head coach. Oksijen asserted that the Frenchman had “established a preliminary agreement” to assume the role of the club’s manager.
The outlet indicated that Zidane is expected to travel to Turkey following the completion of discussions about pay and contract specifics.
It is important to acknowledge that the reports predominantly originate from Turkish media at this moment, and there is no indication that Zidane’s visit is forthcoming.
This follows the club’s dismissal of Jose Mourinho earlier this month, as the Portuguese did not secure any trophies during his year-long tenure in Istanbul.
Alic Koç, the club’s president, has acknowledged that the decision to dismiss Mourinho was difficult but asserted that it was essential for the team to “play better football.”
Mourinho led Fenerbahce to a second-place finish in the 2024/25 season, ultimately trailing their arch-rivals, Galatasaray, who claimed their 25th league title.
Is Fenerbahce financially capable of hiring Zinedine Zidane?
The answer is complex; yet, it is indisputable that Turkish football is replete with financial resources.
This summer, numerous prominent players have transferred to Turkish clubs, including Andre Onana, who has finalised a season-long loan from Manchester United to Trabzonspor. Additionally, former Manchester City and Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane has signed with Galatasaray on a free transfer, anticipated to earn a minimum of £7.66 million annually, along with a loyalty bonus, as reported by BBC Sport.
During the transfer window, Fene has acquired several new players, including former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and ex-Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Asensio, among other high-caliber additions.
Ilkay Gundogan further transferred to Gala without a fee.
Transfermarkt reports that Fenerbahce has expended €87 million (£75.4 million) on transfers, excluding a purported £7.7 million severance payment for the recently departed Mourinho, as conveyed by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu and reported by the Mail.
It is reasonable to presume that Zidane would anticipate a higher income should he formalise his transfer to Turkey.
In 2024, The Mirror estimated that the 53-year-old received over €12 million (£10 million) annually for his coaching role at Real.
In addition to his pay, the 1998 World Cup champion would have accrued substantial wealth via his several endorsements with Adidas and Dior.
How will Fenerbahce secure the funding?
CBS reports that Turkey’s football teams seem to be profiting from broader economic challenges.
The paper asserts that yearly consumer price inflation is at 33.5%, adversely affecting the general populace, although potentially advantageous for football clubs compensated in Euros instead of the Turkish Lira for their involvement in UEFA-sanctioned events.
Significant financial acquisitions from Europe are typically compensated in Euros, whereas Turkish players may receive remuneration in Lira.
In 2019, Turkey’s banking association revealed debt restructuring initiatives, alleviating pressure on clubs, resulting in a 19% reduction in overall Turkish club debt from 2019 to 2023.
What are the additional obstacles to his possible arrival?
A significant challenge for Zidane would be the linguistic barrier. In Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, Turkish is the predominant language, with Kurdish and Arabic also being notably utilised.
The former midfielder earlier cited his insufficient English proficiency as a contributing factor to his inability to lead Manchester United.
In an interview with L’Equipe in 2024, Zidane articulated his comprehension of English, although expressed his lack of confidence in managing inside an English-speaking context.
“I comprehend English, but I am not entirely proficient in it,” he stated. “I am aware that some coaches join clubs without proficiency in the local language; however, my approach differs.”
Zidane is proficient in both French and Spanish; nevertheless, neither language is often spoken in Turkey.
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