Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most iconic French footballers in history, widely celebrated for his flawless technique, exceptional ball control, and elegant dribbling. Known for his magical first touch, sharp vision, and natural leadership, Zidane dominated the midfield like few others. At his peak, no player could match his ability to receive and command the ball with such effortless precision.
For the French national team, Zidane earned 108 caps and scored 31 goals, becoming one of the country’s most influential players. After retiring, he continued shaping the sport as a successful football manager.
Throughout his legendary career, Zidane received many of football’s highest honours, including three FIFA World Player of the Year awards and the Ballon d’Or. Today, he remains recognized as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
 |
| Zinedine Zidane representing France in 2006 World Cup |
Biography
Quick Career Overview
Born in 1972 in France, Zinedine Zidane played as a gifted midfielder throughout his career. He represented several top clubs, beginning with Cannes (1989–1992), followed by Bordeaux (1992–1996), Juventus (1996–2001), and finally Real Madrid (2001–2006). Across club competitions, Zidane made 506 appearances and scored 95 goals, while for the French national team, he played 108 matches and scored 31 goals.
Childhood and early life
Zinedine Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France. His passion for football began early—he first kicked a ball at the age of five, playing daily with neighborhood friends in the main square of his housing complex, Place Tartane. As a young boy, Zidane was deeply inspired by stars from Olympique de Marseille, especially Jean-Pierre Papin, Enzo Francescoli, and Blaž Slišković, who became his early football idols and helped shape his love for the game.
At the age of ten, Zinedine Zidane received his first player license with the junior team of a local club in La Castellane, where he developed his early football skills on the rough streets of Marseille. His time there was brief; after about a year and a half, he moved to SO Septèmes-les-Vallons, continuing his football growth. He spent roughly two and a half years with Septèmes before being selected among young talents for a three-day training program at CREPS in Aix-en-Provence, a key step in his early development.
During his training at CREPS, Zidane’s talent was spotted by AS Cannes recruiter Jean Varraud during a French Football Federation camp. He soon joined Cannes, where he spent the next three years developing his game in the club’s youth division and growing into a more complete player.
Professional career
After finishing his development in the Cannes youth system, Zinedine Zidane began his professional journey. He made his senior debut for Cannes at age 17, where he also scored his first goal. In 1992, he moved to Bordeaux as a midfielder. There, he showcased the complete skill set that helped him gain wider recognition. Although he sometimes showed flashes of temper, Zidane remained a true model of control: he understood how to guide the ball at his feet, break through defenses, connect accurate passes, and strike powerful shots on goal. His time at Bordeaux shaped him into an elite player.
In 1996, Zidane joined Italian giants Juventus. The move pushed his career to new heights and placed him under global attention. Over the next two seasons, he helped Juventus secure major trophies, including the Italian Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup and two Serie A titles.
The peak of Zidane’s international success arrived in 1998, when France hosted the World Cup. Zidane led the national team skillfully, and his dribbling and sharp passing helped France reach the final. There, he scored two decisive goals against Brazil, guiding Les Bleus to a 3–0 victory and becoming a national hero. His leadership continued at Euro 2000, where he again helped France triumph, this time with a 2–1 win over Italy.
In 2001, Zidane joined Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee of over $66 million. The investment paid off immediately. In his first season, Zidane helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League, scoring one of the tournament’s most memorable goals. The following year, he contributed to securing the La Liga title, proving his worth as a top-class player.
By 2006, Zidane announced his intention to retire after the World Cup in Germany. France reached the final against Italy, but in extra time, a heated exchange with Marco Materazzi led Zidane to react by headbutting the Italian player. He received an immediate red card, bringing his career to an abrupt and dramatic end. France later lost on penalties, marking one of the most memorable and emotional conclusions to a football career.
