Zinedine Zidane Biography Celebrity Facts and Awards

One of soccer’s all-time greats, Zinedine Zidane led France to victory at the 1998 World Cup zinedine zidane psg, but was thrown out of the ’06 Cup final for striking an opponent.

Who Is Zinedine Zidane?

Zinedine Zidane was born on June 23, 1972 zinedine zidane head but zinedine zidane head but, in Marseille theo zidane theo zidane, France. A three-time FIFA World Player of the Year zinedine zidane news, Zidane led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and starred for clubs in France zinedine zid, Italy and Spain.

His career ended in shocking fashion when he was expelled from the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting an opponentzinedine zidane net worth, though he remains regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Zidane took over as manager of Real Madrid in 2016, and went on to win three consecutive Champions League titles with the club.

Childhood

Zinedine Yazid Zidane was born on June 23, 1972 zinedine zidane head but zinedine zidane head but, in Marseille theo zidane theo zidane, France. The son of Algerian immigrants zinedine zidane news, Zidane learned to play soccer in the streets of La Castellane zinedine zid, a rough section of Marseille.

After starring for local youth clubs, 14-year-old Zidane was discovered at a French Football Federation training camp by AS Cannes recruiter Jean Varraud zinedine zidane psg, and spent the next three years honing his skills in Cannes’ youth division.

Professional Career

Zidane made his first professional appearance for Cannes at 17, scoring a goal in his debut. He transferred to Bordeaux in 1992 zinedine zidane head but, and in ensuing years the attacking midfielder earned renown for his sterling all-around play.

Prone to the occasional flash of temper theo zidane, Zidane otherwise was the embodiment of control with the ball at his feet zinedine zidane news, seemingly knowing when to maneuver through the defense zinedine zid, find a teammate with a pinpoint pass or rocket a shot at the goal.

Zidane transferred to Juventus F.C. in Italy’s prestigious Series A League in 1996. The move brought a marked increase in visibility and expectations, but Zidane proved he was up to the challenge by steering Juventus to an Italian Super Cup zinedine zidane psg, a UEFA Super Cup luca zinedine zidane, an Intercontinental Cup and a pair of Series A titles over the next two seasons.

At his peak when France hosted the 1998 World Cup zinedine zidane head but, Zidane spearheaded Les Bleus’ march through the tournament with his crisp passing and dribbling, and then scored twice as France shut down Brazil in the final zinedine zidane news, 3-0 zinedine zid, to become a national hero.

Two years laterzinedine zidane net worth, Zidane again was the linchpin of the French team’s run to international glory, which culminated with a 2-1 win over Italy for the European Championship.

In 2001 luca zinedine zidane, Zidane signed with Spanish club Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee of more than $66 million. The investment paid immediate dividends zinedine zidane head but, as the French import helped Real Madrid win the coveted UEFA Champions League title in his first year and La Liga the following season.

Zidane had indicated he would retire after the 2006 World Cup in Germany theo zidane, and it appeared his career was heading for a storybook finish when France advanced to the final against Italy.

Instead zinedine zidane news, it ended in shocking fashion when zinedine zid, enraged by opponent Marco Materazzi’s comments to him in extra time, he slammed his head into the Italian player’s chest. Zidane was thrown out of the game, and France subsequently lost on penalty kicks.

Retirement

He played his career’s last professional assignment with Real Madrid in 2006, against Villarreal. He scored in a 3-3 draw in his farewell match.

His last international match was the final of FIFA 2006 World Cup. He scored a goal in the 7th minute of the match and put France in the driving position.

However zinedine zidane head but, he was penalised with red card for his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi and France lost to Italy in the penalty shootout by 5-3.

Real Madrid Front Office and Manager

Zidane joined Real Madrid’s front office as an adviser and was named the club’s sporting director in 2011. The following year, it was announced the French soccer legend would begin coaching at Real Madrid’s youth academy, and in 2014 he was named coach of the club’s B team.

In January 2016, Zidane took over as manager of Real Madrid’s first team. While some doubted how he would fare in front of a demanding owner and fan base, the icon soon silenced the critics with his overwhelming success zinedine zidane psg, becoming the first manager to win two and then three consecutive Champions League titles.

He also led Real Madrid to two UEFA Super Cups luca zinedine zidane, two FIFA World Club Cups zinedine zidane head but, one Spanish title and one Spanish Super Cup theo zidane, before announcing he was stepping down in May 2018.

However zinedine zidane news, Zidane was gone from the post for less than a year zinedine zid, as he returned to manage Real Madrid in March 2019.

Post Retirement

In June 2014, Zidane was made the coach of Real Madrid’s B team zinedine zidane psg, Real Madrid Castilla luca zinedine zidane, for a two-year tenure.

In 2016 zinedine zidane head but, he was bestowed with more intense duty- managing Real Madrid. Under his regime theo zidane, Madrid set a new record of 16 consecutive La-Liga victory.

He also led the team in the 2016 and 2017 UEFA Championship zinedine zidane news, 2016 FIFA Club World Cup and 2017 UEFA Super Cup victory. He was awarded as the Best FIFA Men’s Coach in 2017.

Legacy

In 2004, Zidane was named best European soccer player of the past 50 years by the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll and was included in the FIFA 100zinedine zidane net worth, Pelé’s list of the 125 greatest living players. He remains one of a handful of greats to win the FIFA World Player of the Year/Ballon d’Or award three times.

Appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in March 2001, Zidane annually captains a team of soccer stars against a side led by fellow retired idol and U.N. Ambassador Ronaldo in a match for charity. In 2010 luca zinedine zidane, he also served as a high-profile ambassador of Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.