Report: Zidane rejects U.S. Soccer's approach about coaching USMNT

Zinedine Zidane turned down an approach from U.S. Soccer to take over as coach of its men's national team, sources told ESPN's Julien Laurens.

The federation reportedly asked Zidane if he had any interest in replacing Gregg Berhalter on the bench. The Frenchman politely declined, according to Laurens.

Berhalter's contract expired on Dec. 31, leaving the coaching position vacant.

His future with the team became uncertain after allegations emerged that he kicked his wife of 25 years during an argument in 1991. Danielle Reyna - the mother of U.S. international Giovanni Reyna and former roommate of Berhalter's wife - said she reported the incident after Berhalter appeared to make comments about the midfielder's poor performance at the 2022 World Cup.

Berhalter said Thursday he wants to continue as head coach.

Zidane, 50, has been out of work since resigning as Real Madrid manager in May 2021. He has since been linked with several clubs, including Juventus, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain. He was also touted as Didier Deschamps' potential replacement as coach of the French men's national team.

France ultimately extended Deschamps' contract until 2026, rewarding the manager following Les Bleus' run to the World Cup final in December.