Star of the France National Soccer Team, player and now head coach of Real Madrid, Zidane is an icon of world soccer.
At age four he was already riding a bicycle and at six he was practicing judo. Zinedine Zidane, the great French player, current Real Madrid Head Coach, has been immersed in sports all of his life. Endowed with exceptional muscular strength, an exquisite technique with the ball and a global vision of the field and the game, the French player of Algerian descent is an icon of modern soccer.
String of successes
To speak of Zinedine is to speak of two great European clubs, Juventus of Italy and Real Madrid of Spain. Both teams enjoyed the talent of Zinedine, where he shined and helped win the most prestigious tournaments, such as the Italian League, Spanish League and Super Cup, Intercontinental Cups, as well as the personal titles he achieved, such as the Ballon d’Or , just to name a few.
A Winner’s timeline
At the age of 17 he was already playing for Cannes in France. He quickly began to stand out and made his debut with the France National Soccer Team on August, 17, 1994, scoring two goals to the Czech Republic. On April 25, 2006, he confirmed that he would retire from professional soccer at the end of the World Cup in Germany. After retiring, he dedicated himself to charity matches and events and his role as a UNICEF ambassador. On Monday, January 4, 2016, he took over the bench of Real Madrid to lead the club for the first time.
Zizou, as he is known, has been considered the best midfielder of history, by FIFA. All the soccer clubs study his videos to analyze his movements, his vision, and his intelligence. In addition, he helps noble causes around the world, as ambassador of UNESCO. For many reasons Zidane is called the elegant and simple hero, a title that suites him perfectly.
WHO IS HE
Full name: Zinedine Zidane
Nickname: Zizou
Place of birth: Marseille, France
Date of birth: June 23, 1972
Parents: Smail and Malika
Religion: Islam
Family: Wife, Veronica and 4 children
Hobbies: Sailing and spearfishing
CLUBS
Cannes (France, 87-92)
Girondins (France, 92-96)
Juventus (Italy, 96-2001)
Real Madrid (Spain, 2001-2006)
Championships won as a player
1 UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1995
1 Intercontinental Cup: 1996
1 UEFA Super Cup: 1996
2 Serie A: 1996–97, 1997–98
1 Supercoppa Italiana: 1997
1 FIFA World Player of the Year – Bronze award 1997
1 FIFA World Cup: 1998
1 Ballon d’Or – 1998
1 UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999
1 UEFA European Football Championship: 2000
1 UEFA Super Cup: 2002
1 Intercontinental Cup: 2002
1 La Liga: 2002–03
1 Supercopa de España: 2003
FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players
FIFA World Player of the Year – 2000
FIFA World Cup Golden Ball – 2006
ZINEDINE SEEN BY THE PLAYERS
“He was a player, and it shows because he has a different way of approaching things”.
Sergio Ramos
“Everyone at Real Madrid feels that joy came back when he arrived in January. As a team we have improved.”
Toni Kroos
“I hope he can continue because I admire him as a person and as a coach.”
Cristiano Ronaldo