Zidane will only agree to Real Madrid's decision if Vinícius leaves the club.
According to Sky Sports, Zidane is willing to return to Real Madrid if the club sells Vinícius, parts ways with Ceballos and Brahim, and buys a striker, defensive midfielder, and left-back. Klopp is also being considered.
Zinedine Zidane could return to Real Madrid immediately — according to Sky Sports — but only if a number of key conditions are met: Vinícius Júnior must leave the club, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz must be removed from the plans, and the team must add a center forward, a defensive midfielder, and a left-back.
A turning point from the coaching bench.
Sky Sports reports that Zidane is the leading candidate to replace Xabi Alonso on the coaching bench. The French manager left Real Madrid in 2021 due to a lack of support from the club's hierarchy, but his legacy remains: three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and a good relationship with President Florentino Perez.
Although his personal plans are reportedly geared towards becoming the head coach of the French national team in the summer of 2026, the turmoil at Bernabeu makes Zidane's return to Real Madrid a more likely possibility — provided it involves reshaping both the dressing room and the team's structure.
Key condition: Mbappé on the left, Vinícius must give way.
The central focus of Zidane's request is to return Kylian Mbappé to his preferred left wing position. This means Vinícius Júnior's preferred position would be encroached upon. According to sources, Zidane wants Vinícius to leave the club to create tactical space for Mbappé, thereby reshaping the attacking axis.
Purging and rebuilding: three names leave, three positions need to be filled.
Alongside Vinícius, Dani Ceballos and Brahim Díaz are also among the players who "don't fit the philosophy" as requested by Zidane. Conversely, he wants Real Madrid to urgently strengthen three key positions: a center forward, a defensive midfielder, and a left-back — crucial positions to stabilize the balance between attack and defense and raise the level of competition.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| The player left (at the request of the club). | Vinícius Junior; Dani Ceballos; Brahim Diaz |
| Positions need to be filled. | Center forward; Defensive midfielder; Left back |
Tactical perspective: Why does Zidane need an "original left winger"?
Prioritizing Mbappé on the left wing allows for the exploitation of his speed, ability to attack into space, and his signature runs into the center. This creates a structure centered around a true number 9 to act as a focal point in the penalty area, a "anchor" in front of the defense to ensure transitions, and a quality left-back to support the wing, preventing it from being isolated.
At the defensive level, a true defensive midfielder helps relieve pressure on the back line during transitions, while a left-back in the right position provides a foundation for maintaining team stability when Mbappé pushes forward. These are details Zidane emphasized in previous eras.
Current pressure and contingency plans
The recent 1-2 defeat against Manchester City has put Xabi Alonso under immense pressure and fueled speculation about Zidane's return. Besides Zidane, Real Madrid are also considering Jürgen Klopp as a potential replacement, while Castilla coach Alvaro Arbeloa remains ready to wait for his opportunity.
The overall picture
From a personnel standpoint to transfer policy, Zidane's requirements all point toward a familiar framework: a clear-cut attacking spearhead, a dedicated defensive midfielder, and a left wing capable of supporting the star player. If Real Madrid meet these demands, the door to a return to the Bernabeu will open wider for the French legend — just as he laid the foundation for his previous peak.
