Zidane’s Early Life and Career
zidane journey to the 2006 world cup
Zinedine Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in La Castellane, Marseille, France. Zidane is of Algerian descent. He began his career with US Saint-Henri in 1987. In 1988, he moved to AS Cannes. In 1992, he helped Cannes win the Intertoto Cup. Zidane moved to Girondins de Bordeaux in 1995.
Zidane’s childhood in France
zidane journey to the 2006 world cup
Zinedine Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in La Castellane, Marseille, in southern France. One of seven children, he began playing organized soccer at age eight. In 1992, at age 20, he joined Cannes of the French premier division. The following year he moved to Bordeaux; during his five seasons with the club, he helped lead it to the UEFA Cup title in 1996.
In 2001 Zidane transferred to Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid for a then-record fee of $66 million. He proved to be worth every penny, quickly becoming one of the most feared midfielders in the world and helping Real Madrid capture the Spanish league championship that year.
Zidane’s professional career
zidane journey to the 2006 world cup
Zidane began his career with AS Cannes in 1985. In the 1990 season, he moved to first-division club FC Twente, where he made his professional debut. After one season with Twente, Zidane transferred to Girondins de Bordeaux for an undisclosed fee. In Bordeaux, Zidane established himself as one of the premier French players of his generation. He was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 1996 and led his club to victory in the 1995–96 UEFA Intertoto Cup. In the summer of 1996, after captaining France to victory at Euro 96, Zidane joined Juventus for a world record fee of €73 million.
He moved from Juventus to Real Madrid for a then-world-record fee of €77 million paid over three years.
At Real Madrid, Zidane played an integral part in their victorious campaign in the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League which culminated with a 3–0 win over Fernando Morientes’ FC Porto in which Zidane scored a stunning volleyed goal off Steve McManaman’s cross in the final. With Los Galacticos he also won La Liga titles in 2002 and 2006; Spanish Super Cups in 2001 and 2003; and Intercontinental Cups in 2002 and 2003.
The 2006 World Cup
The 2006 World Cup was one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Zidane’s performance in the 2006 World Cup
In the 2006 World Cup, Zidane was a crucial part of the French team that reached the finals. In the final match against Italy, he scored a dramatic equalizer in the 110th minute, allowing France to eventually win 5–3 in a penalty shootout. Zidane was named the Man of the Match for his performance.
The final match against Italy
The 2006 World Cup was one of the most anticipated sporting events in recent memory. Fans from all over the world came together to watch their favorite teams compete for the coveted title. One of the most anticipated match-ups was the final between Italy and France.
This was a rematch of the classic 2000 World Cup final, which saw France defeat Italy in a controversial game that included a red card for Marco Materazzi and a pedigree goal from Zinédine Zidane. The T006 final was expected to be just as heated, and it did not disappoint.
The game remained scoreless through regulation time and extra time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Zidane, who had announced his retirement after the tournament, stepped up to take the first penalty for France. He calmly converted his shot, giving France an early lead.
Italy would go on to score their next three penalties, but misses from France’s David Trezeguet and Bronze would give Italy the victory. It was a bittersweet moment for Zidane, who had played his last game with elegance and class but ultimately came up just short.
Zidane’s Legacy
It was the summer of 2006, and the world was watching as Zinedine Zidane led the French national team to victory in the World Cup. It was a moment of triumph for Zidane, and the nation of France.
Zidane’s impact on the world of football
Zidane’s impact on the world of football cannot be underestimated.
Zidane was born in 1972 in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents. His family moved to La Castellane, a tough neighborhood in Marseille when he was a child. It was here that he developed his love for football, and he quickly began to stand out as a talented player.
He joined the local club AS Cannes in 1988, before moving to Girondins de Bordeaux in 1992. It was during his time with Bordeaux that Zidane began to make a name for himself, winning the French League title in 1995 and the UEFA Cup in 1996.
In 1996, Zidane joined Juventus for a then world-record fee of €73 million.
In 2001, Zidane made a sensational move to Real Madrid for a fee of €77 million. He enjoyed tremendous success with Los Blancos over the next five years, winning the Champions League twice (in 2002 and 2003), as well as La Liga in 2002.
On 9 July 2006, Zidane announced his retirement from football at the age of 34. However, he made a brief comeback later that year to help France qualify for the 2006 World Cup. The following month, he captained Les Bleus to victory at the tournament in Germany – defeating Italy 5-3 on penalties in an unforgettable final – before finally hanging up his boots for good.
Zidane’s legacy is evident not only in his tremendous individual achievements but also in his enduring popularity – both inside and outside of football.
Zidane’s legacy in France
Zinedine Zidane, who is of Algerian descent, was born in France and played for the French national team. He led France to victory in the World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final against Italy.
After he retired from football in 2006, Zidane became an ambassador for peace and sport. In 2010, he was named a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In 2015, he was appointed as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases.
Zidane’s legacy in France is significant.