50 Facts About Zidane

Zinedine Zidane: Early Life and Beginnings

Zinedine Zidane, known as "Zizou," is a name that resonates with football fans worldwide. His journey from the streets of Marseille to the pinnacle of football greatness is nothing short of inspiring.

1. Birth and Early Life: Zinedine Yazid Zidane was born in La Castellane, Marseille, France, on June 23, 1972.
2. Early Football Career: At the age of 10, Zidane joined the junior team of US Saint-Henri in Castellane, where he began his football journey.
3. Discovery by Jean Varraud: Zidane was discovered by his first coach, Jean Varraud, who noticed his raw talent and aggressive playing style. Varraud taught Zidane to control his anger and focus more on the game.
4. Training at AS Cannes: Zidane went for a six-week training at AS Cannes but ended up staying with them for four years, developing his skills significantly.
5. First Goal: Zidane scored his first goal in 1989 at the age of 16 against FC Nantes in a French Division 1 match.

Rise to Stardom: FC Bordeaux and Juventus

Zidane's talent soon caught the eye of bigger clubs, leading to significant moves that would shape his career.

6. Move to FC Bordeaux: In 1992, Zidane joined FC Bordeaux, where he made 139 appearances and scored 28 goals, establishing himself as a top player in French Ligue 1.
7. International Debut: Zidane made his international debut for France in a friendly match against the Czech Republic, scoring two goals in 17 minutes.
8. UEFA Cup Final Appearance: In 1995, Zidane helped Bordeaux secure a place in the UEFA Cup final, showcasing his skills on the international stage.
9. Transfer to Juventus: In 1996, Zidane was transferred to Juventus FC in Italy, where he won several trophies, including two Serie A titles and the 1996 Intercontinental Cup.
10. Individual Accolades: During his time at Juventus, Zidane was named the FIFA Player of the Year and won the Ballon d'Or in 1998, cementing his status as one of the world's best players.

Triumphs with the French National Team

Zidane's contributions to the French national team are legendary, with moments that have etched his name in football history.

11. 1998 FIFA World Cup Victory: In the 1998 FIFA World Cup, held in France for the first time, Zidane helped his team emerge as champions, defeating Brazil 3-0 in the final with two of his goals.
12. European Championship Victory: In 2000, France won the UEFA European Championship, with Zidane delivering a memorable 'bending' free kick to knock out Spain from the quarter-final. He was named the 'Player of the Tournament' by UEFA.

The Galáctico Era at Real Madrid

Zidane's move to Real Madrid marked the beginning of an era filled with spectacular performances and unforgettable moments.

13. Move to Real Madrid: In 2001, Zidane signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid FC for a world record fee of €77.5 million, becoming one of the most expensive players in football history.
14. Champions League Win: During his first season at Real Madrid, Zidane scored a famous match-winning goal in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayer Leverkusen, which is considered one of the greatest goals in Champions League history.
15. La Liga Title: In the 2002-03 season, Zidane helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title, starring alongside Luís Figo in midfield and being named the FIFA World Player of the Year for the third time.

Recognitions and Honors

Zidane's career is decorated with numerous awards and recognitions, reflecting his extraordinary talent and impact on the game.

16. FIFA 100: In 2004, Zidane was named in the FIFA 100, a list of the world's greatest living players compiled by Pelé, and was also voted the best European footballer of the previous 50 years in UEFA's fiftieth-anniversary Golden Jubilee Poll.
17. Golden Ball Award: At the 2006 FIFA World Cup, despite his infamous sending off in the final against Italy for headbutting Marco Materazzi, Zidane was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
18. Legion of Honour: In 1998, Zidane received the Legion of Honour, France's highest civilian honor, for his contributions to French football.
19. FIFA World Player of the Year: Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1998, 2000, and 2003), a testament to his exceptional skill and influence on the game.
20. Ballon d'Or Winner: In 1998, Zidane won the Ballon d'Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, recognizing his outstanding performance that year.

Coaching Career and Managerial Success

After retiring as a player, Zidane transitioned into coaching, achieving remarkable success with Real Madrid.

21. Coaching Career: After retiring as a player, Zidane began his coaching career at Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of Real Madrid. He remained in this position for two years before taking over as the manager of the first team in 2016.
22. Champions League Success: In his initial three seasons as manager, Zidane became the first coach to win the Champions League three times in a row, guiding Real Madrid to victories in the 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18 seasons.
23. UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup: During his tenure, Zidane also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup twice each, showcasing his managerial prowess.
24. La Liga Titles: Under Zidane's leadership, Real Madrid won multiple La Liga titles, including the 2016-17 and 2019-20 seasons, cementing his status as one of the most successful coaches in the world.
25. Best FIFA Men's Coach: In 2017, Zidane was named the Best FIFA Men's Coach for his outstanding managerial achievements, further solidifying his legacy in football.

Legacy and Influence

Zidane's impact on football extends beyond his playing and managerial career, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

26. Ambassador for Qatar 2022 World Cup: Zidane served as an ambassador for Qatar's successful bid to stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first Arab country to host the tournament.
27. FIFA 100: Zidane was included in the FIFA 100, a list of the world's greatest living players compiled by Pelé, in 2004, acknowledging his status as one of the all-time greats.
28. Champions League Goalscoring Record: Zidane holds a record for scoring the most goals in the Champions League from midfield, showcasing his versatility and skill on the field.
29. Hat-Trick Against Sevilla: In January 2006, Zidane scored his first hat-trick against Sevilla in a 4-2 win, demonstrating his continued prowess even in his final season.
30. Farewell Match: On May 7, 2006, Zidane played his farewell match for Real Madrid against Villarreal, scoring in a 3-3 draw. The squad wore commemorative shirts with "ZIDANE 2001–2006" below the club logo, and the 80,000 fans inside the Santiago Bernabéu held up a banner reading, "Thanks for the magic".

Controversies and Memorable Moments

Even legends have their moments of controversy, and Zidane's career is no exception.

31. Headbutt Incident: During the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, Zidane was sent off after headbutting Marco Materazzi in the chest, an incident that overshadowed his otherwise illustrious career.
32. Golden Ball Award Despite Controversy: Despite the controversy surrounding his headbutt, Zidane was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, a testament to his enduring impact on the game.
33. French Football Icon: Zidane is a national hero in France, celebrated for his contributions to French football and his role in leading the national team to several major championships.
34. Kabyle and Arabic Names: Zidane is also known by his Kabyle name, Zineddin Lyazid Zidan, and his Arabic name, Zain al-Din Yazid Zidan, reflecting his cultural heritage.
35. Galácticos Era: Zidane was part of the Galácticos era at Real Madrid, a period marked by the signing of global stars who dominated European football.

Playing Style and Philosophy

Zidane's unique playing style and coaching philosophy have left a lasting mark on the sport.

36. Playing Style: Known for his elegance, vision, passing, and ball control, Zidane was a playmaker renowned for his exceptional skill and technique on the field.
37. Impact on Football: Zidane's playing style and influence have inspired generations of footballers, making him one of the most beloved and respected figures in the sport.
38. Coaching Philosophy: As a manager, Zidane emphasized the importance of teamwork and strategy, often citing his own playing experiences as a guide for his coaching decisions.
39. Real Madrid Legacy: Under Zidane's leadership, Real Madrid experienced a resurgence in success, winning multiple championships and cementing their status as one of the world's top clubs.
40. Player of the Tournament: Zidane was named Player of the Tournament at the 2000 UEFA European Championship and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, a rare distinction for any player.

Enduring Influence and Recognition

Zidane's legacy continues to grow, with his influence felt across the football world.

41. All-Star Team Selection: He was selected to the All-Star team at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, further solidifying his status as one of the world's best players.
42. UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll Winner: In 2004, fans voted Zidane as the best European footballer of the previous 50 years in UEFA's fiftieth-anniversary Golden Jubilee Poll, a significant honor in the football community.
43. FIFA 100 Member: Zidane was included in the FIFA 100, a list of the world's greatest living players compiled by Pelé, in 2004, acknowledging his status as one of the all-time greats.
44. Champions League History: Zidane's left-foot volleyed winner in the 2002 Champions League final is considered one of the greatest goals in Champions League history, showcasing his exceptional skill and technique.
45. La Castellane Roots: Despite his global fame, Zidane remains connected to his roots in La Castellane, Marseille, where he was born and began his football journey.

Zidane's Legacy in France and Beyond

Zidane's contributions to football have made him a national hero in France and a global icon.

46. Legacy in France: Zidane is celebrated in France for his contributions to French football and his role in leading the national team to several major championships, making him a national hero.
47. Enduring Influence: Zidane's influence on football extends beyond his playing and managerial career. He continues to inspire new generations of players and coaches, cementing his place in football history as one of the greatest of all time.
48. Kabyle and Arabic Names: Zidane is also known by his Kabyle name, Zineddin Lyazid Zidan, and his Arabic name, Zain al-Din Yazid Zidan, reflecting his cultural heritage.
49. Galácticos Era: Zidane was part of the Galácticos era at Real Madrid, a period marked by the signing of global stars who dominated European football.
50. Playing Style: Known for his elegance, vision, passing, and ball control, Zidane was a playmaker renowned for his exceptional skill and technique on the field.

Zidane's Lasting Legacy

Zinedine Zidane's journey from a young talent in Marseille to a global football icon is nothing short of legendary. His remarkable skills, strategic mind, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on the sport. From his early days at AS Cannes to his record-breaking transfer to Real Madrid, Zidane's career is filled with memorable moments and historic achievements. His impact extends beyond his playing days, as he transitioned seamlessly into a successful managerial role, leading Real Madrid to multiple titles. Zidane's influence on football is undeniable, inspiring countless players and fans around the world. His legacy is a testament to his exceptional talent, leadership, and passion for the game. As we reflect on his career, it's clear that Zidane will always be remembered as one of football's greatest legends.