Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane
- Full name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
- Born: June 23, 1972 (age 50)
- Birthplace: Marseille, France
- Nationality: French
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Midfielder
- Clubs: AS Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
- National team: France
Playing career
Zinedine Zidane is a French former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
Zidane began his career at AS Cannes in 1989. He moved to Bordeaux in 1992, where he won the Coupe de la Ligue in 1995. In 1996, he joined Juventus, where he won the Serie A title twice, the Coppa Italia once, the UEFA Super Cup once, and the Intercontinental Cup once.
In 2001, Zidane joined Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee of €77.5 million. He won the La Liga title twice, the UEFA Champions League once, the Supercopa de España twice, and the UEFA Super Cup once.
Zidane retired from playing in 2006. He returned to Real Madrid as manager in 2016 and won the La Liga title once, the UEFA Champions League three times, the Supercopa de España twice, and the UEFA Super Cup twice. He resigned as manager in 2018.
International career
Zidane made his international debut for France in 1994. He played in three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006) and two UEFA European Championships (2000 and 2004).
Zidane was a key member of the France team that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the 2000 UEFA European Championship. He scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup Final, including a famous volley. He was also named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998 and 2000.
Zidane retired from international football in 2004. He made a brief return to the team in 2006 for the FIFA World Cup, but he was sent off in the Final for headbutting Marco Materazzi.
Personal life
Zidane was born in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents. He has four children with his wife, Véronique Lentisco-Fernandez.
Zidane is a Muslim. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Awards and honors
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 1998, 2000
- Ballon d'Or: 1998
- UEFA European Footballer of the Year: 2000, 2002
- Onze d'Or: 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
- World Soccer Player of the Year: 1998, 2000, 2003
- European Sportsperson of the Year Award: 1998
- FIFA 100: 2004
- Golden Foot Award: 2011
- French Legion of Honour: 1998
- Officer of the National Order of Merit: 2004
