ABOUT
Zinedine Zidane, commonly known as Zizou, is a retired French footballer and current football manager hailed as one of the greatest players of all time. Born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France, Zidane gained worldwide acclaim for his extraordinary technique, vision, and excellent ball control. He primarily played as an attacking midfielder and began his professional career at Cannes before moving to Bordeaux. Zidane later reached the pinnacle of club football with Juventus and Real Madrid. His prowess on the field earned him numerous accolades, including three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and the 1998 Ballon d'Or.
BEFORE FAME
Zidane grew up in a working-class family in the rough neighborhood of La Castellane in Marseille. His parents were Algerian immigrants who instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and hard work. Zidane joined the local football club US Saint-Henri at the age of five and was later discovered by AS Cannes scouts when he was just 14 years old. At Cannes, he honed his skills, progressed through the youth ranks, and eventually made his professional debut at the age of 17.
TRIVIA
- Zidane famously scored two headed goals in the 1998 World Cup final, leading France to its first World Cup victory.
- He was red-carded in the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting Italian player Marco Materazzi, an incident that remains one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.
- Zidane transitioned into management after retiring as a player, serving as head coach of Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2019 to 2021. He led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
- In addition to his World Cup and Champions League successes, Zidane also won domestic league titles in Italy and Spain, adding to an illustrious trophy cabinet.
- Zidane is known for his humanitarian efforts, serving as an ambassador for organizations like the United Nations and several children's charities.
FAMILY LIFE
Zidane is married to Véronique Fernández, a former dancer and model, whom he met while playing for Cannes. The couple has four sons together: Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz. All of Zidane's sons have followed in their father's footsteps by pursuing careers in football. Zidane remains closely connected to his roots and often speaks about the importance of family and heritage in shaping his career and values.
ASSOCIATED WITH
Throughout his career, Zidane has played alongside and coached some of the greatest names in football. At Juventus, he played with Italian legends Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon. At Real Madrid, he shared the field with the likes of Raúl González and Ronaldo Nazário. As a manager, he coached superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Luka Modrić, solidifying his status as a key figure in modern football both on and off the pitch.
In summary, Zinedine Zidane's career is characterized by his artistic approach to football, his competitive spirit, and his ability to achieve success both as a player and as a manager. His legacy endures as a source of inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.
