Real Madrid have confirmed that Zinedine Zidane has stepped down as the club’s manager for the second time, after Los Blancos went trophyless for the first time since the 2009-10 campaign.

Real Madrid lost the La Liga title to city rivals Atletico Madrid on a dramatic final day as they ended two points behind the champions. The 13-time European champions were also knocked out of the Champions League by Chelsea in the semi-finals. 

The La Liga giants said in a statement on their official website: "Real Madrid CF announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his current spell as coach of our club.

"It is now time to respect his decision and show him our appreciation for his professionalism, dedication and passion in all these years, and for what his figure represents for Real Madrid.

"Zidane is one of the great myths of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player of our club.

"He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home."

During Zinedine Zidane’s first spell at the club between 2016 and 2018, the French World Cup winner won three consecutive Champions League titles and the 2016-17 La Liga crown.

After returning to the club in 2019, the 48-year-old won his second La Liga title in 2020 and the Spanish Super Cup.


Featured photo: PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP