2002–06 Thuram–Makelele Era
The maestro who led France to glory and redefined elegance on the pitch.
Zinedine Yazid Zidane (born 23 June 1972), popularly known as Zizou, is a French professional football manager and former player who played as an attacking midfielder. He is the head coach of the France national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Zidane was a playmaker renowned for his elegance, vision, passing, and ball control.
Lore & Background
Capped 108 times by France, Zidane won the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring a brace in the final, and was named in the All-Star team. He won UEFA Euro 2000 and was named Player of the Tournament. He also received the Golden Ball as Player of the Tournament at the 2006 World Cup, despite his infamous sending off in the final against Italy for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the chest. France reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2004.
Reader's Guide
Zidane is one of eleven players to have won the World Cup, the Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or. He was the ambassador for Qatar's successful bid to stage the 2022 World Cup, the first Arab country to host the tournament.
Did You Know?
- Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998, 2000 and 2003, and won the 1998 Ballon d'Or.
- He scored a left-foot volleyed winner in the 2002 Champions League final, considered one of the greatest goals in football history.
- Zidane is the only coach to win the Champions League three consecutive times (2016–2018).
- He succeeded Didier Deschamps as head coach of the France national team in 2026.
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