Potential destinations for Zinedine Zidane this summer - ranked

15 May 2021

It seems as though Zinedine Zidane will once again be bidding adieu to the Bernabeu this summer.

After a second spell at the club brought another league title to the capital last year, this year has seen obstacle after obstacle thrown in front of the legendary Frenchman's path. From over 60 different injury problems within the first team to financial troubles, it's been a difficult season for the manager and Real Madrid.

And with rumours swirling that this will be Zidane's last season at Real Madrid, we here at 90min have decided to assess where he could go next.


5. AC Milan

A return to Italy? | Soccrates Images/Getty Images

At the start of the season Milan looked to be back to their very best, as they sat comfortably atop of Serie A. Unfortunately for them, they've fallen away as we reach the business end of the campaign and are now battling for a top four place.

If they manage to finish in the top four, bringing in the three-time Champions League winner could prove too good an opportunity to turn down for AC Milan, but it's more likely they hang fire and keep faith in their current coach Stefano Pioli.

Suitability rating: 2/10


4. Tottenham

Could Zizou arrive in the capital? | Boris Streubel/Getty Images

The north London club have had a torrid time of late and after parting ways with Jose Mourinho last month, Tottenham's search for a new boss has begun.

They've been linked with a long list of names, and Zidane will likely be added to that list if he leaves Madrid this summer. A multi-trophy winner with Real Madrid, Zizou would bring star power to the Premier League and the winning mentality which Spurs so desperately crave.

Spurs are likely to try if he does become available, but a lack of Champions League football would probably work against them in any negotiations.

Suitability rating: 4/10


3. Paris Saint-Germain

Zidane could take over at PSG if they don't land the league title this season | Soccrates Images/Getty Images

The king of France taking up a management role at the biggest club in France? Makes sense, doesn't it?

PSG currently find themselves surprisingly second in Ligue 1 behind LOSC Lille. Despite hiring Mauricio Pochettino in January, PSG are usually quite quick to pull the trigger on firing managers when they fail to win the league - and Poch may not have long left in Paris if they don't.

We already know how much Kylian Mbappe wants to work under Zidane, even if that always seemed like it was going to be in Madrid rather than Paris. Bringing Zizou back to France could be the perfect way to convince the player to stay at the club long-term.

Suitability rating: 6/10


2. France

Zizou is a legend with Les Bleus | VI-Images/Getty Images

Whenever there is an international tournament, there's usually a managerial merry-go round sound after.

Didier Deschamps has been at the helm of Les Bleus since 2012 and reached the final of Euro 2016 before winning the 2018 World Cup. If he were to win Euro 2020 this summer it could be the perfect time for him to move on, creating an opportunity for Zidane to swoop in and take the role.

The lack of day-to-day pressure could be appealing to Zidane, who's previously cited stress as the reason for walking away from Madrid back in 2018.

Suitability rating: 8/10


1. Juventus

A return back to Juventus for the king? | VI-Images/Getty Images

Back in his playing days, Zidane lit up Serie A with Juventus.

Now as a manager, a return to Turin could be exactly what both parties need. Juventus hired another legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo last summer but it's been nothing short of a disaster - as they crashed out of the Champions League early and currently sit fifth in the league.

Zidane would undoubtedly be a huge upgrade on Pirlo this summer.

Suitability rating: 9/10


Source: 90min