Zinedine Zidane shortlisted for huge European job almost three years on from Real Madrid exit

Zinedine Zidane is rumoured to be heading back into management with one of Europe's biggest clubs.

The 51-year-old left Real Madrid back in 2021 after leading the La Liga giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League successes.

Now set to be eyeing a potential return to the dugout, Zidane is not short of options with one side said to be leading the charge for his services.

According to a report via The Sun, the former France international has been heavily linked with a role at Bayern Munich.

Thomas Tuchel announced earlier this year that he is set to step down as boss after leading the Bavarians since March 2023.

Zidane has quite the CV and would be no doubt tasked with helping Bayern regain their European superiority.

Their 2020 success marked a sixth crown but Tuchel's men have since faltered domestically.

Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen are likely to wrap up the Bundesliga title this season and he himself has recently been linked with a position at the Allianz Arena.

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As well as Zidane, Bayern are also said to be looking at fellow candidates which include Julian Nagelsmann, Hansi Flick and Jose Mourinho.

Zidane spoke to the media back in October 2023 himself about returning to football, but remained typically coy on the situation.

“No news, nothing right now," he began.

"I’m enjoying time with my family and then we’ll see what happens in the future.

“It will always be full of rumours until I am officially appointed as a manager, so let’s see."

In his initial two and a half seasons with Real Madrid, Zidane's trophy cabinet spoke for itself.

He became the first manager ever to win the Champions League three times in a row, whilst also winning the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup twice, as well as a La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana.

He was named Best FIFA Men's Coach in 2017, before departing in 2018 only to return the following year.