Zinedine Zidane has announced that he will step down from his post as Real Madrid's manager with immediate effect.
The news comes as a shock after the Frenchman guided Los Blancos to an unprecidented third Champions League title in a row.
The Frenchman called a snap press conference at the Bernabéu on Thursday amid a flurry of speculation and delivered the shock news that he will not be at the helm of the three-times Champions League winners for the 2018-19 season.
Zidane led Madrid to a treble of European triumphs in Kiev last Saturday night, enshrining his side as the greatest of the modern era in Europe's elite club competition and placing them in the same bracket as the Ajax and Bayern Munich sides that achieved the same remarkable feat in the 1970s.
In doing so, Zidane also became one of only three coaches to lift the European Cup / Champions League on three occasions, alongside Bob Paisley and Carlo Ancelotti, and the first in the history of the game to do so on three consecutive occasions.
Having enjoyed a successful career with Juventus, Real Madrid and co. in which he has won trophies such as Serie A, La Liga and Champions League, Zinedine Zidane hung up his boots after 2006 World Cup.
The 45-year-old rejoined Real Madrid in 2014 to begin his coaching career at Castilla (Real Madrid B), where he has built himself a widely positive reputation.
And when Rafael Benitez was released by Real Madrid in January 2016 after a dismal run in the first team, Zidane was quickly called into action.
In his debut campaign as first team head coach, Zidane guided Real Madrid to Champions League glory, beating Atletico Madrid in penalty shootout.
Real Madrid then successfully defended the Champions League title the next year, becoming the first team in modern history to do so, and also beat utter rivals Barcelona to La Liga title.
Despite his failure to lead Real to La Liga glory in 2017/18 season, the team still managed to win three successive Champions League titles by defeating Liverpool at Kiev a week ago.
Related: 'After 3 years a change is needed' - Zidane feels his decision to leave Real makes sense
LaPulga25
486
Once a legend, always a legend, we will miss you Zidane. From a Barcelona fan
Shina-Ayo
371
Zidane is greater than CR7, Bale, Marcelo, Modric, Kroos all combined. He is the most important reason Madrid is doing well. He managed aging Ronaldo very well. He used his experience as a former excellent player to guide amazing players making up the squad! Madrid think they are winning because of their history, no they are winning because they have a coach who has the pedigree that keep all ego on check! Zizou's Madrid is the best ever (As a player and as a coach)!
HATEGEKIMANA
323
what a breaking news!!! this man was outstanding in the last three season. we shall miss you sir Zinedine Zidane. all the best to his future move.
EmeraldJ
296
I don't know what to think. Am just crying here!!!
Godvictor
157
Now is it #GraciasZidane or #MerciZidane😢
aqib_10_
125
didn't see that coming
thelonesailor
100
smart move. he cannot stay at real's helm any longer and he knows it. this season he has been exposed too many times by his shallow levels in tactics and mgmt. won ucl this season heavily due to squad talent and depth, individual brilliance by handful of players, ambiguous refereeing in some crucial moments, failure of other challenging clubs, and a huge chunk of luck. this real team reminds me of the Manchester United squad Sir Alex had in his last season. similarly at the end of the road and waiting to fall apart. his exit could probably be the smartest move in his entire coaching career, leaving behind a legacy and a false impression that he is real best coach ever. now he can wait to take over the French national team after the world cup. real fans should be happy that they can now look forward to a better coach who really knows how to do the job rather than feeling clueless most times when in crisis and praying on the brilliance of his superstars to pull his team out of the slumps
BidemiKlint
91
Will we Forever be grateful to You Zinedine Zidane
Chris-JH
90
If Zidane was left, how about Benzema ?
KamaraAlhajiSorie
64
Self esteem and smart! The right decision Zizou took. Regarding the way Real Madrid always pay their coaches and players, it was of high time for Zidane to find his exit with pride and fame than stayed and later been driven as if he hasn't achieved nothing for the club. He did it as a player and now as a Coach. Bravo Zizou! I hope t he coaches and players will learn from him. I wish you more success in your new task that we are yet yo know. But if there is any possibility, Manchester United's door is wildly open for you for we have respect and great future for successful coaches.
zlaney_ronmes
64
Just imagine if this guy comes to Real Madrid Wow!! Not as good as zidane.. but still.. worth a try
Barcelona-Arsenal
59
wow, im surprised, this happened pretty soon. at least he can leave without a tarnished reputation, 3 straight UCL, and good luck in your next stage Zidane
Liberia4801641
57
As a big coach like zizu he much go for another challenge.
raheem_CFC
55
The greatest manager of all times has stepped down from the thrown, he has done so much for Madrid bringing them to 3 consecutive UCL finals and also the la liga title, fifa world cup, super cup de espana. he has been a tower of strength for real and he'll be sadly missed. all the best on your endeavours Zidane
bempr
49
Perez and the Spanish government will run everybody out of Real...wonder if they are going to ask him for back taxes too?
eshun77
40
I'm really shocked and devastated for hearing this sad news of Zinedine Zidane's resignation. Why will he do that? Any way, I'll wish him well wherever he is going.
BarcelonaManCityFC
32
Goodbye Zidane😔😔😔it was a pleasure to have you in La Liga and good luck on your future. Coming from a Barca fan. GOODBYE ZIDANE😪😪😰😰
Nigeria1110427
31
Yes! Wise man indeed. That is a man to be celebrated. One who has learnt to leave when ovation is loudest. He does not want to wait to be rubbished in future after this brilliant success. I hail you Zidane. Bravo! More grease to your elbow
Nigeria1110427
23
thelonsailor and others, please write whatever rubbish you want to write. The bottom line is that Zizou, whether by luck or whatever means has received the favour of God and has won the UCL thrice in three seasons consecutively, a feat no one else has performed and the height which will Europe will find difficult for anyone else to attain for a very long time to come, if ever. Let us always learn to give honour to whom honour is due. Zizou deserves to be hailed. It is God's doing. And for him to leave when the ovation is highest marks him out as a man to be honoured and respected not one to be vilified by those who can hardly differentiate their right from left. Jealousy is more cruel than death.