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Quick Facts
- NAME: Zinedine Zidane
- OCCUPATION: Soccer Player
- BIRTH DATE: June 23, 1972 (Age: 40)
- PLACE OF BIRTH: Marseille, France
- Full Name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
- AKA: Zinedine Zidane
- Nickname: Zizou
- ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer
Best Known For
One of soccer's all-time greats, Zinedine Zidane led France to victory at the 1998 World Cup, but was thrown out of the '06 Cup final for striking an opponent.
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Play NowZinedine Zidane. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 06:41, May 19, 2013, from http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232.
Zinedine Zidane. [Internet]. 2013. The Biography Channel website. Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232 [Accessed 19 May 2013].
"Zinedine Zidane." 2013. The Biography Channel website. May 19 2013, 06:41 http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232.
"Zinedine Zidane," The Biography Channel website, 2013, http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232 [accessed May 19, 2013].
"Zinedine Zidane," The Biography Channel website, http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232 (accessed May 19, 2013).
Zinedine Zidane [Internet]. The Biography Channel website; 2013 [cited 2013 May 19] Available from: http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232.
Zinedine Zidane, http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232 (last visited May 19, 2013).
Zinedine Zidane. The Biography Channel website. 2013. Available at: http://www.biography.com/people/zinedine-zidane-9541232. Accessed May 19, 2013.
Synopsis
Zinedine Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France. A three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Zidane led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and starred for clubs in France, Italy and Spain. His career ended in shocking fashion when he was expelled from the 2006 World Cup final for headbutting an opponent, but he is nonetheless regarded as one of soccer's all-time greats.
Childhood
Zinedine Yazid Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France. The son of Algerian immigrants, Zidane learned to play soccer in the streets of La Castellane, a rough section of Marseille. After starring for local youth clubs, 14-year-old Zidane was discovered at a French Football Federation training camp by AS Cannes recruiter Jean Varraud, and spent the next three years honing his skills in Cannes' youth division.
Professional Career
Zidane made his first professional appearance for Cannes at 17, scoring a goal in his debut. He transferred to Bordeaux in 1992, and in ensuing years the attacking midfielder earned renown for his sterling all-around play. Prone to the occasional flash of temper, Zidane otherwise was the embodiment of control with the ball at his feet, seemingly knowing when to maneuver through the defense, find a teammate with a pinpoint pass or rocket a shot at the goal.
Zidane transferred to Juventus F.C. in Italy's prestigious Series A League in 1996. The move brought a marked increase in visibility and expectations, but Zidane proved he was up to the challenge by steering Juventus to an Italian Super Cup, a UEFA Super Cup, an Intercontinental Cup and a pair of Series A titles over the next two seasons.
At his peak when France hosted the 1998 World Cup, Zidane spearheaded Les Bleus' march through the tournament with his crisp passing and dribbling, and then scored twice as France shut down Brazil in the final, 3-0, to become a national hero. Two years later, Zidane again was the linchpin of the French team's run to international glory, which culminated with a 2-1 win over Italy for the European Championship.
In 2001, Zidane signed with Spanish club Real Madrid for a world-record transfer fee of more than $66 million. The investment paid immediate dividends, as the French import helped Real Madrid win the coveted UEFA Champions League title in his first year and La Liga the following season.
Zidane had indicated he would retire after the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and it appeared his career was heading for a storybook finish when France advanced to the final against Italy. Instead, it ended in shocking fashion when, enraged by opponent Marco Materazzi's comments to him in extra time, he slammed his head into the Italian player's chest. Zidane was thrown out of the game, and France subsequently lost on penalty kicks.
Post-Playing Career and Legacy
In 2004, Zidane was named best European soccer player of the past 50 years by the UEFA Golden Jubilee Poll and was included in the FIFA 100, Pelé's list of the 125 greatest living players.
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