Zinedine Zidane: Elegance, Volleys and That Night in Berlin

Some players are remembered for goals, others for trophies. Zinedine Zidane is remembered for the way he moved: the roulette turn, the perfect first touch, the sense that the ball was glued to him. Born in Marseille in 1972 to Algerian parents, "Zizou" grew up playing on the streets of La Castellane and became the most graceful midfielder of his generation.

Below you'll find Zinedine Zidane's fact file, career history and honours, plus our Zinedine Zidane collection of hoodies and T-shirts.

Zinedine Zidane Fact File

Full name Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Date of birth 23 June 1972 (age 54)
Place of birth Marseille, France
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position Attacking midfielder
Nationality French
Status Retired player; former Real Madrid manager
Shirt number 5 (Real Madrid), 10 (France)
Nickname Zizou

Career History

Years Team Apps Goals
1989-1992 Cannes 61 6
1992-1996 Bordeaux 139 28
1996-2001 Juventus 151 24
2001-2006 Real Madrid 155 37
1994-2006 France 108 31

League appearances and goals; international figures are caps and goals.

Cannes, Bordeaux and Juventus

After coming through at Cannes and starring for Bordeaux, Zidane joined Juventus in 1996. In Turin he won two Serie A titles and became the creative heart of one of Europe's best teams. Celebrate this chapter with our Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.

Zinedine Zidane Real Madrid Icon Frame Men's Hoodie
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France 1998: Two Headers in the Final

On home soil at the 1998 World Cup, Zidane scored twice with his head in the final against Brazil to give France their first world title. He won the Ballon d'Or that year, then led Les Bleus to Euro 2000 glory as well. Relive it with our Zinedine Zidane Juventus Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.

Zinedine Zidane Juventus Icon Frame Men's Hoodie
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Real Madrid and the Hampden Volley

A world-record move to Real Madrid in 2001 made him the centrepiece of the Galácticos. In the 2002 Champions League final at Hampden Park, he met a looping cross from Roberto Carlos with a left-footed volley that is still considered one of the greatest goals ever scored in a final. Wear the legend with our Zinedine Zidane 8-Bit Headbutt Badge Men's T-Shirt.

Zinedine Zidane 8-Bit Headbutt Badge Men's T-Shirt
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Berlin 2006

Zidane's playing career ended in the most dramatic way imaginable: a sensational World Cup in 2006, a Panenka penalty in the final against Italy, and then a red card for a headbutt on Marco Materazzi. It's a moment that has become part of football culture.

Zidane the Coach

As Real Madrid manager, Zidane did what nobody had done in the Champions League era: he won three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018. Player or coach, his name means class.

Honours

France

  • FIFA World Cup: 1998
  • UEFA European Championship: 2000

Juventus

  • Serie A: 1997, 1998
  • Intercontinental Cup: 1996

Real Madrid (player)

  • UEFA Champions League: 2002
  • La Liga: 2003

Real Madrid (manager)

  • UEFA Champions League: 2016, 2017, 2018
  • La Liga: 2017, 2020

Individual

  • Ballon d'Or: 1998
  • FIFA World Player of the Year: 1998, 2000, 2003

Off the Pitch

Zidane is famously private. He is married to Véronique, a former dancer, and they have four sons, all of whom have played professional football. His sons Enzo, Luca, Théo and Elyaz all came through Real Madrid's academy.

FAQs

How old is Zinedine Zidane?

Zinedine Zidane was born on 23 June 1972, so he is 54 years old.

Where was Zinedine Zidane born?

In Marseille, France.

How tall is Zinedine Zidane?

Zinedine Zidane is 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in).

What teams has Zinedine Zidane played for?

Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid, plus France. As a manager he has coached Real Madrid Castilla and Real Madrid.

How many goals did Zidane score in the 1998 World Cup final?

Two, both headers from corners, as France beat Brazil 3-0 in Paris.

What was Zidane's famous Champions League goal?

His left-footed volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 final at Hampden Park, widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in a final.

Why was Zidane sent off in the 2006 World Cup final?

He was shown a red card for headbutting Italy's Marco Materazzi in extra time of what turned out to be his final match.

Shop the Zinedine Zidane Collection

Celebrate Zinedine Zidane with our made-to-order hoodies and T-shirts, printed in England in men's and kids' sizes.

See every design in the full Zinedine Zidane collection, or browse more football legends. Want your own name on the back? Try our custom name hoodie.

Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Thierry Henry and Ronaldo Nazário.

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