Roberto Mancini is on shaky ground, and the Saudis have Zidane as their main target

Zinedine Zidane, who has been without a managerial position since his departure from Real Madrid in the 2020/21 season, is once again a sought-after figure in football, with reports suggesting he is being targeted by Saudi Arabian football authorities.

Specifically, Zidane is being linked to the national team of Saudi Arabia, as the country looks to secure a high-profile manager to lead them through a critical period in their World Cup qualification campaign.

The pressure on current head coach Roberto Mancini has intensified following a string of disappointing results. Mancini, who took charge of the Saudi Arabian national team earlier this year after leaving his role with Italy, has found himself in a difficult situation. The team’s 2-0 defeat to Japan and a goalless draw against Bahrain in recent World Cup qualifying matches have left Saudi Arabia in a precarious position, prompting speculation about a potential managerial change. These results have led to increasing dissatisfaction among both fans and football officials in Saudi Arabia, with Mancini's future now hanging in the balance.

Currently, Saudi Arabia sits in third place in Group C of the Asian World Cup qualifying zone, with five points from four games. Although they share the same points total as Australia, they trail group leaders Japan by five points. This underwhelming position has raised concerns, particularly given Saudi Arabia's aspirations to make a strong showing on the global stage. With only two automatic qualification spots available, and the risk of falling further behind Japan and other competitors, the pressure to turn things around is mounting.

Against this backdrop, Zidane has emerged as the top candidate to potentially replace Mancini. The Frenchman boasts an impressive managerial record from his time at Real Madrid, where he spent six seasons in charge of the first team. During his tenure, Zidane led the Spanish giants to remarkable success, winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles a feat unmatched by any other manager in modern football. He also secured two La Liga titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups, establishing himself as one of the most successful and respected coaches in the game.

Zidane's availability and pedigree make him an attractive prospect for Saudi Arabia as they aim to reinvigorate their national team and ensure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His ability to manage big-name players, handle pressure in high-stakes situations, and inspire teams to perform at their best on the biggest stages aligns with the ambitions of Saudi Arabian football, which has been heavily investing in both domestic football and international presence.

For Zidane, the move could represent a new chapter in his coaching career, offering him the opportunity to work in a different environment and take on the challenge of international football. Given the ongoing developments in Saudi Arabian sports, particularly with significant investments in their domestic league to attract top talent, the country’s footballing profile has grown substantially in recent years. A high-profile managerial appointment like Zidane would further bolster their global standing and signal their commitment to success on the international stage.

As the situation unfolds, much will depend on how Saudi Arabia performs in their upcoming qualifiers and whether Mancini can turn the tide in his favor. However, if results do not improve, the Saudi football federation may be left with little choice but to consider Zidane as the ideal replacement to lead the national team through the next phase of their World Cup journey. For now, the football world will be watching closely to see whether this potential managerial shake-up materializes.