European Legends: Zinedine Zidane

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A new series of articles where we take a look at some of the best players from across the whole of Europe. First up...

Zinedine Zidane is a legend that played for Juventus and Real Madrid

Mondiale 1998 Finale: Francia-Brasile 3-0

(Zidane celebrates winning the World Cup in 1998)

Early life

One of Zidane's earliest memories involving football came when he was watching the 1986 World Cup. The performance in that tournament of Diego Maradona had a huge impact on him. He said "Maradona was another level."

Move to Juventus

After playing professionally in France for Cannes and Bordeaux, Zidane moved to Juventus in 1996. The Italian giants had just won the European Cup so they had signed him from a position of strength. 

In his first season, Juventus won the 1996–97 Serie A title and the 1996 Intercontinental Cup. They won the Serie A again the following season but that was really the last major success that Zidane had whilst at Juventus. 

In total, he played 214 times for Juventus and scored 31 goals.

Move to Real Madrid

In 2001, Zidane moved to Real Madrid for a then world record transfer fee of €77.5 million. During his time in Madrid, he won La Liga in 2003 and most memorably the Champions League in 2002. He scored the winning goal in the final that year with a goal that is often regarded as one of the best ever. 

Zidane retired in 2006. He finished his spell at Real Madrid after scoring 49 goals in 230 appearances. Many Real Madrid fans often talk about him as being one of the greatest players that represented the club in the modern era. 

International career

Zidane had great success with the French national team. He won the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championships in 2000. His last game ever as a professional footballer came in the 2006 World Cup final. Unfortunately for Zidane and France, he was sent-off and his country lost on penalties. 

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