Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane
Name	Zinedine Zidane
Caption	Zidane in 2016
Birth date	23 June 1972
Birth place	Marseille, France
Height	1.85 m
Position	Midfielder
Years1	1988–1992
Clubs1	Cannes
Caps1	61
Years2	1992–1996
Clubs2	Bordeaux
Caps2	139
Goals2	28
Years3	1996–2001
Clubs3	Juventus
Caps3	151
Goals3	24
Years4	2001–2006
Clubs4	Real Madrid
Caps4	155
Goals5	37
Nationalyears1	1994–2006
Nationalteam1	France
Nationalcaps1	108
Nationalgoals1	31
Manageryears1	2013–2014
Managerclubs1	Real Madrid Castilla
Manageryears2	2016–2018
Managerclubs2	Real Madrid
Manageryears3	2019–2021
Managerclubs3	Real Madrid
Medaltemplates	France Men's football W, 1998, France 1998 RU, 2006, Germany 2006 W, 2000, Belgium–Netherlands 2000

Zinedine Zidane is a French former professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Renowned for his elegance, vision, and technical mastery, he was a playmaking midfielder who won numerous honors, including the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000 with the France national football team. His club career featured successful spells at Juventus and Real Madrid, where he won the UEFA Champions League and multiple domestic league titles. After retiring, he transitioned into a highly successful managerial career, leading Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.

Early life and career

Born in the La Castellane district of Marseille to Algerian parents from Kabylia, he began playing organized football at age ten for US Saint-Henri. His talent was quickly spotted, leading to a move to SO Septèmes-les-Vallons before joining the youth academy of AS Cannes in 1987. He made his professional debut for Cannes in 1989, scoring his first goal in a Ligue 1 match against FC Nantes and helping the club qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Club career

After four seasons at Cannes, he transferred to Bordeaux in 1992, where his performances in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Cup earned him wider recognition. In 1996, he moved to Italian giants Juventus, winning two Serie A titles, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup, while reaching two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals. His world-record transfer to Real Madrid in 2001 was iconic, capped by scoring the winning volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With Real Madrid, he also won a La Liga title and the Supercopa de España.

International career

He made his debut for the France national football team in 1994 against the Czech Republic. He was instrumental in France's victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil. He led France to another major trophy at UEFA Euro 2000, being named Player of the Tournament. After retiring from international duty in 2004, he returned to help France reach the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, where he scored in the final against Italy before his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi; he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.

Style of play

A classic playmaker operating as an attacking midfielder, he was celebrated for his exceptional ball control, precise passing, and elegant dribbling, most notably his trademark 'La Roulette' turn. His vision, creativity, and ability to dictate the tempo of a match made him a quintessential number 10. He was also renowned for his composure in front of goal, scoring many crucial goals, including with his head despite not being exceptionally tall.

Managerial career

He began his coaching career as an advisor at Real Madrid before taking charge of the reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, in 2013. Appointed manager of the first team in January 2016, he achieved unprecedented success, winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2017, 2018, 2018), two FIFA Club World Cup trophies, and two La Liga championships across two separate spells. His managerial philosophy emphasized man-management and tactical flexibility.

Personal life

He is married to Véronique Zidane, a former dancer, and they have four sons: Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz, all of whom have pursued professional football careers. He is a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and has been involved in numerous charitable causes. In 2004, he was named the best European footballer of the past 50 years in the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll.

Legacy and influence

Widely considered one of football's all-time greats, he won the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times and the Ballon d'Or in 1998. His image, particularly the headbutt in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final, has been analyzed in global media and pop culture, including the documentary film Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait. His success as a manager at Real Madrid cemented his legendary status in the sport, influencing a generation of players and coaches.

Category:French footballers Category:Association football managers