Zidane Leaves Door Open to Juventus Return
Former Juventus star Zinedine Zidane did not rule out managing the Italian club in the future.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Soccer
Zinedine Zidane said he did not rule out managing Juventus at some point in the future. Zidane played for the Turin club from 1996 to 2001.
Why it matters
Zidane's comments keep alive speculation about a return to the club where he spent five seasons as a player. His willingness to consider the role reflects the enduring ties between the former midfielder and Juventus.
Zidane's time at Juventus lasted from 1996 to 2001. The extraction does not specify any current negotiations or formal approaches by the club.
The players
Zinedine Zidane
A French football legend who won the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship with France and later managed Real Madrid to multiple Champions League titles.
Juventus
A Turin-based Italian football club and one of the most successful teams in Serie A history, with numerous league titles.
Marcello Lippi
An Italian coach who managed Juventus and later led Italy to victory at the 2006 World Cup.
The details
Zidane was asked about the possibility of managing Juventus and did not rule it out. He recalled his early period at the club, when he arrived in Turin and was struggling for form before coach Marcello Lippi required him to adapt to a tactical system that demanded more than he had been used to, with the team working on tactics for 30 minutes daily.
Timeline
1996: Zidane begins his playing career at Juventus.
2001: Zidane ends his Juventus playing career.
Season Trajectory
Former players returning to coach their old clubs is a recurring pattern in European football, and Zidane's comments fit within that tradition. His 1996–2001 spell at Juventus under Lippi remains a reference point for the club's history.
Fans following Juventus may see speculation about Zidane's future role as the club's leadership situation develops. The extraction does not confirm any roster or managerial change.
The takeaway
Former stars can carry deep, lasting ties to the clubs where they once played, and Zidane's remarks show that Juventus remains part of his football story. Readers tracking the club should watch for any official announcement rather than speculation.
Further reading
For more on the sport's leading clubs and managers, explore the latest Soccer coverage.
