Zinedine Zidane
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Biography
Zinedine Zidane is a legendary French football player. He was instrumental in France winning the World Cup in 1998. He is known for his legendary volley in the 2002 European Cup final that helped Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. He retired from football after the 2006 World Cup final.
Zidane is of Algerian origin and was born in Marseille, France on June 23, 1972. His father was a night watchman and he was the youngest of five children. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and Zidane often had to bear racism and hostility from local inhabitants. However, this did not lead him astray and he focused on his football career by joining the US Saint-Henri club at an early age.
In 1994, when he was 14, he earned his first cap with the French national football team when he came as a substitute in the 63rd minute. France was losing at 0-2 in the friendly match against the Czech Republic when Zidane came in. He scored two goals and the match ended in a draw.
Soon, by the time he was 17, Zidane made his debut in First Division playing for Cannes. He scored his first professional goal when he was 19 on February 8th, 1991.
In 1993, Zidane got married to Véronique, a Spanish dancer and model. They have four sons.
Zidane went on to play with clubs Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. It was while playing with Juventus that Zidane reached his peak. He won the 1996 European Super Cup, 1996 European/South American Cup, and 1997 League Super Cup, and was named 1997 and 1998 Italy Champion, and Finalist of the 1997 and 1998 Champions League. He was also named World Player of the Year by the FIFA in 1998, 2000, and 2003. Real Madrid acquired him in 2001 for a record £46 million or $66 million.
At the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil, Zidane shot two headers to win the match and international fame. However, he could not help France defend the World Cup in 2002 due to a thigh injury. Zidane came back from retirement as captain of the French team and led it to the finals of the 2006 World Cup. In the final against Italy, he scored in the 7th minute but was sent off in the 110th minute for headbutting Marco Materazzi. Materazzi reportedly provoked him verbally by insulting his mother and sister. Zidane later said that he did not regret his action showing a human side to a legend. His being sent off cost France the World Cup with Italy winning the penalty shootout 5-3.
Despite being given a red card, Zidane was awarded the FIFA Golden Ball for being the most valuable player in the tournament. Surely, despite his impulsive nature, Zidane has been valuable to football world and France. No wonder, France welcomed him back as a national hero.
Links
AskMen.com: Zinedine Zidane
101lifestyle.com: Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane at My-WC.com
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