Zinedine Zidane declines offer to coach Algeria national team

Introduction to this article:
The article discusses former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane turning down the opportunity to manage Algeria in 2024, despite his connection to the nation of his parents’ birth.

Zidane’s Connection to Algeria

Zidane maintains a connection to Algeria, the nation of his parents’ birth, and he was linked with their vacant manager’s job this month.

Algeria’s Controversy

Algeria opted to sack Djamel Belmadi following their group stage exit at AFCON 2024 despite the former midfielder extending his contract at the start of January. Belmadi now finds himself at the centre of a controversy over a severance package from the Algerian FA with FIFA set to investigate.

Zidane Turns Down Offer

According to the latest update from French outlet L’Equipe, Algeria’s first choice to step in as Belmadi’s replacement was Zidane, but the 51-year-old declined their offer. Zidane is rumoured to be waiting for a club role in 2024 having previously declined national team jobs with Brazil and the USA.

Zidane’s Future in 2024

The former World Cup winner has been out of work since his departure from Madrid in 2021 with Serie A mooted as his most likely destination.