Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as one of the best football players of all time. His magical ability with the ball, combined with his vision and execution, helped him become one of the most successful players in the world.
As both a player and a manager with Real Madrid, Zidane has won four Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles. He is also a four-time winner of the UEFA Super Cup and has picked up 10 domestic trophies with Los Blancos and Juventus. Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year three times and won the Ballon d’Or in 1998. In a 2004 UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll, he was voted the best European soccer player of the last 50 years.
A Star Player
Zidane’s playing career reached its peak when he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He continued to shine by winning the same individual award at UEFA Euro 2000, leading France to victory. Despite losing in the final of the 2006 World Cup and receiving a red card for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi, Zidane was again named Player of the Tournament.
Playing and Managing Real Madrid
Zidane was part of the “Galactico” era at Real Madrid, with his 2001 move from Juventus setting a new world record transfer fee of €75 million. His famous left-footed volley in the Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen remains one of the greatest goals in history. Zidane helped Real Madrid win the La Liga title in his second year, and he consistently impressed until his retirement in 2006.
Staying connected with Real Madrid, Zidane became head coach in January 2016. In just a few months, he led the team to a Champions League victory, becoming only the second man to win the European Cup as both a player and manager with Real Madrid. This victory marked the start of a period of European dominance, with Real Madrid winning the Champions League for the next two seasons.
Zidane’s first full campaign as head coach saw Real Madrid win their first La Liga title in five years, along with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Despite stepping down after winning a third consecutive Champions League title, Zidane returned to Real Madrid in March 2019 and led them to another La Liga title in the 2019/20 season. He left the club again in May 2021.
Zidane and Juventus
After being named Ligue 1 Player of the Year with Bordeaux, Zidane moved to European champions Juventus in 1996. He was named Serie A’s Foreign Footballer of the Year in his first season, helping Juventus win the league title and the Intercontinental Cup. Zidane’s status grew as he was named FIFA World Player of the Year and won the Ballon d’Or in his second season with Juventus.
International Success
Zidane earned his first senior cap in a 1994 friendly against the Czech Republic, scoring twice. He became a national hero during the 1998 World Cup, scoring twice in the final against Brazil and helping France win their first World Cup trophy. Zidane continued to shine for France, winning Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2000. After initially retiring from international football, he returned to captain France to the 2006 World Cup final, where he was named Player of the Tournament despite receiving a red card.
Personal Life
Zidane is a Muslim of Algerian descent. He met his wife, Veronique Fernandez, at 17, and they married in 1994. They have four children, all of whom play soccer and have been in the Real Madrid academy. In 2006, Zidane funded the building of a school and training center in Algeria. In April 2020, his charity foundation donated medical equipment to his hometown in Algeria to help fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reported Net Worth
According to French Football magazine, Zidane earned €21 million a year at Real Madrid. His endorsements include Adidas, with whom he has collaborated on various projects, and he has also been involved with mobile network operator Orange and realty developer Kanakia Spaces.
Zinedine Zidane’s journey from a legendary player to an iconic manager is a testament to his talent, dedication, and impact on the world of football. His legacy continues to inspire fans and players alike.
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