Zidane Says No to a Return to Real Madrid Amid Ancelotti’s Uncertain Future

Carlo Ancelotti’s position at Real Madrid is on shaky ground following disappointing defeats against Barcelona and AC Milan. Rumors suggest that club president Florentino Pérez is exploring potential replacements, including Xabi Alonso and Zinedine Zidane. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Zidane, who has his sights set on managing the French national team, is not interested in a Real Madrid comeback.

Despite a promising season start with a European Super Cup win over Atalanta, Real Madrid’s momentum has stalled. Key players like Toni Kroos haven’t been adequately replaced, while Kylian Mbappé’s form has raised concerns. Recent home losses—0-4 against Barcelona and 1-3 to AC Milan in the Champions League—have heightened the tension at the club. Pérez reportedly questions the performances of players like Jude Bellingham and Mbappé, intensifying speculation around Ancelotti’s future.

Pérez has not hesitated to make bold decisions in the past; in 2015, he dismissed Ancelotti shortly after the club’s historic tenth Champions League title. Since his return in 2021, Ancelotti has added two more Champions League titles to Real Madrid’s record, but he knows that Pérez could act swiftly if necessary.

Among the top choices for the manager role, Xabi Alonso, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, is seen as a promising long-term option. Zidane, a triple European champion with Real Madrid, remains focused on his dream of managing the French team, leaving uncertainty over Real Madrid’s future leadership as the club navigates through a challenging period.