Algeria attempted huge Zinedine Zidane coup after dismal AFCON exit

Algeria finished bottom of their AFCON group following their shock 1-0 loss to Mauritania earlier this week, a result that cost coach Djamel Belmadi his job. Following this decision, the 2019 competition winners approached France legend Zidane about the vacant role but L'Equipe reports the 51-year-old rejected the offer.

Zidane has been out of work ever since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 in what was his second succesful spell for the Spanish giants. The report says he was 'flattered' by Algeria's approach, especially as he is of Algerian descent. However, L'Equipe claim he has turned down offers from Brazil and the United States and he is still holding out for the France national team job.

In Zidane's two managerial spells at Madrid, he had a win percentage of 70.47% in the first (2016-18) and 60.53% in the second (2019-21). During his time there he won two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.

While Algeria, who were one of the favourites for this year's tournament, are out of AFCON, the competition runs until February 11. For Zidane, he is likely to bide his time and wait for the next managerial job that comes his way. France boss Didier Deschamps has a contract until 2026 but it remains to be seen if Zidane will wait until then.