For a coach who has been out of the game for several years, Zinedine Zidane has remained one of soccer's most sought-after figures. Now, as his return edges into focus, fresh details have emerged about how close he came to taking over in the Premier League.

According to AS, Chelsea made a serious attempt to bring Zidane to Stamford Bridge during his time away from management.

The club is said to have "strongly pursued" the former Real Madrid boss, viewing him as a potential long-term solution during a period of constant change in the dugout. But despite the interest, the outcome was never in doubt.

Zidane, who stepped away from Real Madrid in 2021, is now widely expected to become the next coach of the France national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps after the upcoming World Cup.

While clubs across Europe continued to circle, Zidane's approach remained notably patient.

Reports indicate that he has consistently limited his options to just two roles: managing France or returning to Real Madrid. That stance explains why even high-profile approaches, including Chelsea's, failed to gain traction.

The Blues' interest came during a turbulent spell in which the club cycled through multiple managers in quick succession, searching for stability and identity. Zidane's track record made him an obvious target, but his long-term vision ultimately outweighed any short-term opportunity.

Chelsea were not alone in their efforts. Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Hilal also explored the possibility of appointing Zidane, with the latter reportedly offering significant financial incentives. Still, none of those proposals altered his plans.

The legacy factor behind Zidane's decision

Zidane's coaching résumé continues to command respect across the game. During his time at Real Madrid, he delivered nine major trophies, including an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles.

That success elevated him into a rare category of coaches who can afford to wait for the perfect role rather than chase the next available one. His absence from the touchline has only added to the intrigue.

Zidane at 53 is still better than me in my prime 😳🔥#Zidane #RealMadrid #Madrid #Soccer pic.twitter.com/DnPcRzpMYf

— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) December 1, 2025

Rather than rushing back into coaching, Zidane has remained selective, spending time with family and staying connected to football from a distance. That patience now appears to be paying off.

France move set to define next chapter

With Didier Deschamps expected to step aside after the World Cup, Zidane's path into international management looks increasingly clear.

Taking charge of France would mark a natural progression in his career, linking his achievements as a player with a new challenge as a coach. ?

It's also a role that carries both prestige and expectation, given the depth of talent within the national setup.

For Chelsea, the renewed attention on their past pursuit serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to land a manager of Zidane's profile.

For Zidane himself, the decision has always been about timing and purpose. While clubs across Europe tried to tempt him back, he remained focused on a singular goal.

Now, with his return approaching, it appears that patience has brought him exactly where he wanted to be.