Who Is Zinedine Zidane?
Zinedine Zidane is one of the greatest footballers in history. Born in Marseille, France, Zidane became a global icon for his vision, technique, and leadership. He played as an attacking midfielder, leading both clubs and the France national team to glory.
Quick Facts About Zinedine Zidane
- Full Name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
- Date of Birth: 23 June 1972
- Place of Birth: Marseille, France
- Nationality: French
- Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Nickname: Zizou
- Current Role: Former player, football coach
Early Life and Youth Career
Zidane grew up in a modest neighborhood of Marseille. He joined US Saint-Henri at a young age and later moved to Cannes’ youth academy, where his technical ability stood out. From the beginning, Zidane displayed incredible ball control, dribbling, and vision, laying the foundation for a legendary career.
Professional Club Career
1. Cannes (1989–1992)
Zidane started his professional career at AS Cannes. He made 61 appearances and scored 6 goals. His performances attracted interest from bigger French clubs.
Notable Achievement: Cannes reached the semi-finals of the Coupe de France with Zidane’s contributions.
2. Bordeaux (1992–1996)
Moving to Girondins de Bordeaux, Zidane’s career accelerated. He played in European competitions and became known for his free-kicks and creativity.
- Appearances: 139
- Goals: 28
- Achievements: UEFA Cup runner-up (1995)
Factual Block: Zidane became a French national team regular while at Bordeaux, debuting in 1994.
3. Juventus (1996–2001)
Zidane joined Juventus in Serie A for €3.2 million. At Juventus, he became a world-class midfielder.
- Appearances: 151
- Goals: 24
- Achievements:
- Serie A titles: 1996–97, 1997–98
- Supercoppa Italiana: 1997, 2001
- UEFA Super Cup: 1996
- Intercontinental Cup: 1996
Zidane’s vision and passing earned him UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 1998.
4. Real Madrid (2001–2006)
Zidane moved to Real Madrid for a then-world record fee of €77.5 million.
- Appearances: 227
- Goals: 49
- Achievements:
- La Liga: 2002–03
- UEFA Champions League: 2001–02
- Intercontinental Cup: 2002
- UEFA Super Cup: 2002
Factual Block: Zidane scored one of the most iconic goals in Champions League history during the 2002 final against Bayer Leverkusen — a left-foot volley that is still celebrated worldwide.
International Career: France National Team
Zidane earned 108 caps for France, scoring 31 goals.
Major Achievements:
- FIFA World Cup Winner: 1998
- UEFA European Championship Winner: 2000
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2006
- FIFA World Cup Runner-Up: 2006
Notable Fact: Zidane scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, leading France to its first-ever World Cup victory.
Playing Style and Strengths
Zidane was known for:
- Exceptional ball control and dribbling
- Accurate passing and vision
- Powerful long-range shots
- Leadership on and off the pitch
- Ability to perform in high-pressure matches
He was a classic No.10, blending creativity with tactical intelligence.
Career Stats Overview
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannes | 61 | 6 | Coupe de France semi-finals |
| Bordeaux | 139 | 28 | UEFA Cup runner-up 1995 |
| Juventus | 151 | 24 | 2 Serie A titles |
| Real Madrid | 227 | 49 | UEFA Champions League 2002 |
| France | 108 | 31 | 1998 World Cup, Euro 2000 |
Individual Awards
FIFA 100 – The World’s Greatest Living Footballers
World Cup FIFA Golden Ball: 2006
FIFA World Player of the Year: 1998, 2000, 2003
Ballon d’Or Winner: 1998
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 1998
Memorable Moments
- 1998 World Cup Final – Scored two goals against Brazil
- 2002 Champions League Final – Iconic left-foot volley for Real Madrid
- 2006 World Cup Final – Headbutt incident vs. Italy (controversial moment)
Zinedine Zidane as a Coach
After retiring in 2006, Zidane transitioned into coaching.
- Managed Real Madrid Castilla
- Real Madrid Head Coach: 2016–2018, 2019–2021
- Achievements:
- 3× UEFA Champions League Winner (consecutive)
- 2× La Liga Winner
- FIFA Club World Cup titles
Zidane became one of the most successful modern managers, combining tactical insight with player motivation.
Legacy and Impact
Zidane is widely regarded as one of the most complete footballers ever.
- Inspired a generation of midfielders
- Defined elegance and control in modern football
- Both player and coach, he remains a football icon globally
Conclusion
Zinedine Zidane’s career is a perfect blend of talent, vision, and leadership. From Marseille to the top of Europe, he won titles, awards, and hearts worldwide. Both as a player and coach, Zidane remains a benchmark for excellence in football.
FAQs
Q1: What position did Zinedine Zidane play?
He played as an attacking midfielder, also known as a No.10.
Q2: Which clubs did Zidane play for?
Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid.
Q3: How many goals did Zidane score for France?
He scored 31 goals in 108 appearances.
Q4: Did Zidane win the World Cup?
Yes, he won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France.
Q5: How many Ballon d’Or awards did Zidane win?
He won the Ballon d’Or once, in 1998.
Tayyaba Fayyaz lives in Pakistan, loves sports, follows matches live, understands players across games, and shares daily deep sports knowledge, insights, and passionate analysis with her growing global audience.
