In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid reportedly reached out to legendary manager Zinedine Zidane to replace Xabi Alonso earlier this year—only to be turned down due to the French icon's prior commitment to his national team.

The saga began in January, when Álvaro Arbeloa was initially chosen to step in after Alonso's departure following the Spanish Super Cup. But what started as a hopeful transition quickly unraveled. Arbeloa's tenure has been anything but smooth: his first match ended in a shocking Copa del Rey exit, and the team has since stumbled through a trophyless campaign. Despite retaining the support of the dressing room, the writing appears to be on the wall, with most signs pointing to his dismissal come June.

According to a recent report from Diario AS, Real Madrid's administration had already been planning ahead. As early as December—before Alonso was even officially shown the door—club officials placed a call to Zidane, their dream candidate to take the helm. The timing, however, couldn't have been worse. Zidane had already given his word to the French Football Federation, committing to succeed Didier Deschamps as head coach of Les Bleus after the FIFA World Cup.

It's a decision that carries significant weight for the football world. Zidane, now five years removed from his last coaching role, is poised to make his return to the touchline with France. His loyalty to Real Madrid remains unwavering, and while a third stint at the Bernabéu didn't materialize this time, the door is far from closed for a future reunion.

For now, Madridistas are left to wonder what could have been—and what the next chapter holds for a club navigating one of its most turbulent coaching transitions in recent memory.