Zinedine Zidane returned to the Santiago Bernabéu on a Champions League night, far removed from the glory days when he last led Real Madrid. Los blancos fell 1-2 to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, but Zidane was there soaking in the Bernabéu atmosphere once again.

The French coach is back in the spotlight after reports linked him to the France national team job. The match gave him a front-row seat to watch several players who could soon be under his command.

Zidane at the Santiago Bernabéu

Cameras caught Zidane in the stands amid growing France head coach rumors. Several French internationals were in action: Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga for Real Madrid, while Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise featured for Bayern Munich.

🚨🏟️ Zinedine Zidane, at the Bernabéu tonight for Real Madrid vs FC Bayern.

As revealed months ago, he’s expected to become next France head coach after the World Cup 2026. 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/A7dbzaDZ9R

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 7, 2026

Zidane has been a free agent since leaving Real Madrid in December 2021 - a surprising reality given his elite résumé. During his second stint, he won LaLiga and the Spanish Super Cup, bringing his total to 11 trophies with the club.

The French legend enjoyed a special night back at the Bernabéu, though with a bitter ending as Real Madrid fell short. Now, attention shifts to the second leg, where Kylian Mbappé's crucial goal keeps their Champions League hopes alive.