Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists to ever play football. You surely remember his stunning volley in the Champions League final or his World Cup heroics for France. However, his career was defined by a mix of breathtaking skill and a fiery temper. He rose from the tough streets of Marseille to become a "Galactico" in Madrid. Furthermore, he achieved the impossible by winning three consecutive European titles as a coach. Let’s explore the life of Zizou.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane grew up in the tough La Castellane district of Marseille. Despite being the city’s most famous son, he never actually played professionally for Olympique de Marseille.
He practiced Judo before he focused entirely on football. This martial arts background helped him develop the incredible balance and core strength he used on the pitch.
His career ended with the most famous red card in history. He headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest during the 2006 Football World Cup final.
Zinedine Zidane holds a unique managerial record with Real Madrid. He became the first manager to win the Champions League trophy three years in a row (2016, 2017, and 2018).
His four sons followed in his footsteps to become footballers. Enzo, Luca, Théo, and Elyaz all trained at the Real Madrid academy, where they face immense pressure to succeed.
He scored what many consider the greatest goal in Champions League history. His left-footed volley against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002 remains the perfect example of his technique.
He received 14 red cards during his playing career. While he was known for his elegant style of play, he possessed a volatile temper that often got him into trouble.
A 16-foot bronze statue of his headbutt was erected in Paris. The Centre Pompidou displayed the massive sculpture.
He acted in the movie Asterix at the Olympic Games. He appeared as a character named “Numerodis” who plays with a round object that looks remarkably like a football.
He initially retired from international football in 2004. Fortunately for France, he reversed his decision a year later to lead the team to the 2006 World Cup final.
Zinedine Zidane met his wife, Véronique, at a housing complex when he was 17. They have been together ever since, long before he became a global superstar.
Real Madrid broke the world transfer record to sign him in 2001. The Spanish club paid Juventus roughly €77.5 million, a fee that seemed astronomical at the time.
He scored two headers in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil. Heading was not considered his strong suit, yet these goals secured France’s first-ever world title.
He served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations. He organized and played in numerous “Match Against Poverty” games to raise funds for global development.
He wore the number 5 shirt at Real Madrid. Unlike most playmakers who wear number 10, he chose the number 5 as a tribute to the club’s former captain, Manolo Sanchís.
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