Among the top players ever in football history, Zinedine Zidane is an iconic French soccer player. Famously elegant, visionary, and flawless in his technique, Zidane’s most remarkable performance came in the 1998 World FIFA World Cup, when he drove France to their first World Cup title ever. With Zidane stepping forward as the hero of the competition, France as the host country was under great stress to deliver. Let’s find out more about the life of the popular FIFA-winning star.
Key Highlights of Zidane’s 1998 World Cup Victory:
- Zidane dominated the game with his creativity and passing from the midfield of France. Still, he got a red card against Saudi Arabia and sat out two games in the competition.
- Zidane returned powerfully in the quarter-finals against Italy after his suspension, dragging his side into the semi-finals through a penalty shootout.
- The Remarkable Finals Against Brazil: Zidane’s most unforgettable performance took place in the final against Brazil (3-0) at the Stade de France.
- From corner kicks, he knocked two amazing headers, therefore France had a 2-0 advantage at intermission.
- Zidane became a national icon as France first won the World Cup in history.
Zidane’s control throughout the match confirmed his place among the best of all time. Hailed as a model of French multiracial success, he inspired generations to come.
Zidane’s Lifestyle and Post-1998 Career
Following his World Cup victory, Zidane’s professional life kept blossoming, and his personal life showed his disciplined and family-centered attitude.
Club Success with Real Madrid
- Zidane moved to Real Madrid for a then-record sum of €77.3 million in 2001.
- With Real Madrid, he captured La Liga, the UEFA Champions League in 2002, and several other championships.
- One of the greatest goals in football history is his well-known volleyed goal in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
2006 World Cup and Retirement
- Back from international retirement for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Zidane took France to yet another final.
- His professional career finished controversially, notwithstanding he was expelled for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the final.
Family and Background
- Born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France, Zidane hails from an Algerian migrant family.
- Zidane is married to Véronique Zidane, he has four sons who all play soccer.
Philanthropy and Charity Work
- Zidane has been very involved in fundraising events and charity games.
- UN Goodwill Ambassador has worked to support social problems all around the planet.
- Got an elite manager job and guided Real Madrid to three straight UEFA Champions League trophies (2016, 2017, 2018).
- Many young athletes still look up to him as his impact on soccer is great.
Zidane: A Legend Beyond the Pitch
Zinedine Zidane’s World Cup victory and football icon status set him apart. His 1998 World Cup win, club success, and future managerial accomplishments all set his status among the football greats into concrete. Zidane has remained modest and disciplined throughout, therefore setting an example on and off the field irrespective of his celebrity status.
