Zinedine Zidane Biography Quotes 22 Report mistakes

Early Life and Background
Zinedine Yazid Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents Smail and Malika Zidane. Raised in the tough La Castellane district, he spent countless hours playing football on local squares, shaping the close control, balance, and vision that later defined his style. The youngest in a working-class family, he developed resilience early and learned the value of quiet discipline. Spotted by scouts while playing for neighborhood sides, he joined the academy at AS Cannes as a teenager, leaving home to pursue a professional path that demanded maturity beyond his years.

Club Career
Zidane made his professional debut with Cannes and quickly revealed the elegance and intelligence that would become his trademarks. He moved to Bordeaux in the early 1990s, forming a celebrated partnership with Christophe Dugarry and Bixente Lizarazu as the club surged through domestic and European campaigns, including a memorable run to the UEFA Cup final in 1996. His performances drew the attention of Europe's elite, and Juventus brought him to Turin that same year.

Under coach Marcello Lippi at Juventus, Zidane grew into a world star. He won Serie A titles and reached consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, guiding a midfield that also featured leaders like Didier Deschamps, creative partners such as Alessandro Del Piero, and relentless workers like Edgar Davids. In 2001 he transferred to Real Madrid for a world-record fee, joining the era's most high-profile collection of talent. With Vicente del Bosque on the bench and teammates Raul, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, and later Ronaldo and David Beckham, Zidane delivered one of the game's most iconic moments: a left-footed volley in the 2002 Champions League final that secured the European crown. He lifted La Liga in 2002, 03 and concluded his club career in Madrid in 2006, leaving behind a catalogue of decisive performances and moments of serene brilliance.

International Career
Zidane debuted for France in 1994 and, under coach Aime Jacquet, became the heartbeat of a squad that blended experience and youthful energy. At the 1998 FIFA World Cup on home soil, he anchored a midfield alongside Didier Deschamps and Emmanuel Petit, with Lilian Thuram, Marcel Desailly, and Fabien Barthez providing a formidable spine. Zidane's two headed goals in the final against Brazil sealed a historic triumph and propelled him to the Ballon d'Or later that year. Under Roger Lemerre at UEFA Euro 2000, he was the tournament's outstanding player as France captured another major title, with David Trezeguet and Thierry Henry finishing decisive attacks sparked by his creativity.

After a brief international retirement, Zidane returned in 2005 under coach Raymond Domenech to steer France through World Cup qualification. As captain in 2006, he led a veteran side past Spain, Brazil, and Portugal, converting key penalties with trademark composure. In the final against Italy he scored a daring chip from the spot but was sent off late after an altercation with Marco Materazzi. France fell on penalties, yet Zidane received the tournament's Golden Ball, a testament to his commanding influence.

Coaching and Leadership
Following retirement, Zidane transitioned into leadership roles at Real Madrid, advising club president Florentino Perez before working closely with Carlo Ancelotti during the 2013, 14 campaign that ended with a Champions League title. He then guided Real Madrid Castilla and, in January 2016, took charge of the first team. With senior figures like Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo and a balanced core of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, Casemiro, Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Keylor Navas, Zidane orchestrated an unprecedented Champions League treble in 2016, 2017, and 2018, pairing tactical pragmatism with calm man-management. He returned for a second spell in 2019, winning La Liga in 2019, 20 and adding to a record that made him one of the most successful modern coaches.

Style, Character, and Influence
As a player, Zidane blended economy of movement with technical mastery. His first touch, ability to shield the ball, and 360-degree awareness let him dictate rhythm under pressure. He was as comfortable threading passes to forwards as he was keeping possession in tight spaces, often turning with a balletic poise that masked fierce competitive drive. As a coach, he emphasized clarity and trust, protecting his dressing room from outside storms and drawing big performances from established stars and emerging talents alike.

Personal Life and Philanthropy
Zidane married Veronique Fernandez in the 1990s, and together they raised four sons, Enzo, Luca, Theo, and Elyaz, all of whom pursued football. Known for his reserved demeanor, he has long supported charitable initiatives, including work as a goodwill ambassador with the United Nations Development Programme and participation in high-profile matches for humanitarian causes. His roots in Marseille and his family's immigrant story remained central to his identity, shaping a sense of responsibility that complemented his achievements on the field.

Legacy
Zidane's legacy spans two complete careers: a footballer who defined an era for club and country and a manager who delivered historic success at the highest level. The respect he inspired from teammates such as Deschamps, Henry, Raul, and Ronaldo, and from coaches including Jacquet, Lemerre, Lippi, Del Bosque, and Ancelotti, speaks to a consistency of excellence. Honored by both football institutions and the French state, he stands as a symbol of grace under pressure, a master of decisive moments, and a leader whose influence endures in the way players envision creativity, professionalism, and team-first ambition.

Our collection contains 22 quotes who is written by Zinedine, under the main topics: Music - Overcoming Obstacles - Sports - One-Liners - Training & Practice.

Other people realated to Zinedine: Cristiano Ronaldo (Athlete), Eric Cantona (Athlete), Alessandro Del Piero (Athlete)