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Football Biography

Zinedine Zidane

“Zizou”

French flag French · Marseille · Born 23 June 1972

Attacking Midfielder

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Zinedine Zidane was born in Marseille in 1972 to Algerian immigrant parents and grew up in the La Castellane housing project.

Zinedine Zidane was born in Marseille in 1972 to Algerian immigrant parents and learned football on the streets of the La Castellane housing project. He began professionally at Cannes (1989–1992), moved to Bordeaux (1992–1996), then Juventus (1996–2001) where he won two Serie A titles. A then world-record £46 million transfer to Real Madrid (2001–2006) followed, where he won La Liga in 2003 and the Champions League in 2002 with a volley of supernatural quality in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. In 108 appearances for France he scored 31 goals and lifted the World Cup in 1998 — scoring twice in the final — and Euro 2000. He covered 10.2 km per game and recorded a top speed of 30.4 km/h, remarkable for a player whose game was based on balance and control rather than pace. He scored 125 goals and provided 156 assists in 789 career appearances. He won FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1998, 2000, 2003) and the Ballon d'Or in 1998. His red card in the 2006 World Cup final — a headbutt on Marco Materazzi — remains one of football's most discussed moments. He later became one of the most successful managers in Champions League history, winning three consecutive titles with Real Madrid (2016–2018).

Famous For

Scoring two headers in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil

His 2002 Champions League final volley was voted the best goal in UCL history.

Did You Know?
Playing Style

How They Played

Elegant attacking midfielder with exceptional ball control, vision and ability to perform in big moments

Legacy

Lasting Impact

One of the greatest playmakers in football history, renowned for his elegance and technical brilliance

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • FIFA World Cup 1998
  • UEFA Euro 2000
  • Champions League 2002
  • La Liga 2003
  • Serie A 1997, 1998
  • Ballon d'Or 1998
  • FIFA World Player of Year 1998, 2000, 2003
  • Intercontinental Cup 2002
  • UEFA Super Cup 2002
  • Coppa Italia 1995
Club Career
Club Period Apps Goals Shirt
Cannes1989–19926128#10
Juventus1996–200111035#5
Real Madrid2001–200615124#5
Bordeaux1992–199613928
French flag France10831
Career Journey

Timeline

1989 📌 Professional debut with Cannes
1994 🌍 France national team debut
1996 📌 Transfer to Juventus
1998 🏆 World Cup winner and Golden Ball
2001 📌 Transfer to Real Madrid for world record fee
2002 🏆 Champions League winning goal vs Bayer Leverkusen
2006 📌 Retirement after World Cup final
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane scored 125 career goals in 789 appearances.

Zinedine Zidane earned 108 international caps scoring 31 goals.

Zinedine Zidane provided 156 career assists.

Zinedine Zidane won 15 major trophies throughout his career.

Zinedine Zidane was born in 1972 in Marseille.

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