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Zinedine Zidane: Legendary French Soccer Player and Manager

Full Name Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Birthday June 23, 1972
Birth Place Marseille, France
Height 6′ 1′′
Net Worth $120 million
Social Profiles Facebook
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As a lifelong fan of Zinedine Zidane, it brings me immense joy to provide an in-depth profile of this French soccer legend. Zidane wasn‘t just a midfield maestro – he was an artist who used the field as his canvas, painting beautiful pictures with his magical feet.

The Making of A World-Class Talent

Born to Algerian immigrants in Marseille, Zidane learnt his initial moves on concrete pitches in the neighborhood of La Castellane. His mesmerizing ball control, balance, vision and dribbling abilities were evident even as a child. After being selected to the French Football Federation’s training center at 14, he turned professional with Cannes in 1989. Zidane helped the club get promoted to Ligue 1 with his creative playmaking. His star continued to rise after he moved to Bordeaux in 1992, becoming the Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 1996.

Dominating Europe with Juventus

Zidane was already a star but his move to Italian giants Juventus in 1996 for a world record fee cemented his legacy. Bianconeri fans were enthralled by his midfield artistry as he led Juventus to back-to-back Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana titles in 1997 and 1998. His impeccable first touch, 360-degree vision, and ingenious passing ability made him the brain of Juve’s attack. When Zidane scored wonder goals like his memorable free kick in the 1997 Champions League final, fans realized they were witnessing an all-time great in action.

"Zidane is a marvel — he creates space where there is none. No matter where he gets the ball or how it comes to him, the great players make the pitch look small." – UEFA President Lennart Johansson

World Cup Glory with France

On the international stage, Zidane cemented his icon status by leading France to its first ever World Cup title on home soil in 1998. His two headed goals in the final against Brazil gave France a 3-0 win. By winning the Golden Ball, he became the first player to be named player of the tournament since 1970. Zidane almost replicated this feat in 2006 but his career ended with an infamous red card for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the final. Nonetheless, Zizou is revered as France‘s greatest ever player.

The Galáctico at Real Madrid

Even the imagined sum of 150 million euros could not deter Real Madrid from acquiring Zidane in 2001 and assembling their constellation of superstars or "Galácticos". Zidane reveled playing alongside other legends like Figo, Ronaldo and Beckham. His sensational volleyed goal in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen is considered one of the competition‘s greatest goals ever. Although Madrid struggled to win trophies during this period, Zidane‘s balletic grace and match-winning abilities awed Los Blancos faithful.

Seamless Transition from Player to Manager

After initially coaching Real Madrid‘s youth teams and serving as assistant coach, Zidane made history by winning an unprecedented three straight Champions League titles as manager between 2016-2018. His tactical acumen, leadership and rapport with players has brought enormous success to the club. Although Zidane‘s second stint from 2019-2021 yielded no trophies, he is still regarded as one of Madrid‘s greatest ever managers for continuing their European dominance.

The Epitome of A Complete Footballer

Watching Zidane in his prime was like watching a virtuoso at the peak of his powers. He played with such elegance and skill that it seemed almost surreal. His signature pirouette move where he turned effortlessly away from defenders is etched in the memory of every fan. Zidane was the complete package – a graceful playmaker, a selfless team player, a big match difference maker and a true leader.

Zinedine Zidane‘s legacy in the pantheon of footballing greats is permanently sealed. As a fan who has grown up idolizing his genius, I feel blessed to have witnessed this immortal Frenchman create magic on the pitch with his masterful feet.