# Zinedine Zidane

> French association football player and coach

**Wikidata**: [Q1835](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1835)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinedine_Zidane)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zinedine-zidane

## Summary
Zinedine Zidane is a French former professional footballer and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born in 1972, he achieved global fame for his exceptional skill, vision, and leadership on the field, most notably winning the FIFA World Cup with France in 1998 and the UEFA Champions League as both a player and manager with Real Madrid.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 23, 1972
- **Nationality**: French
- **Education**: Attended the University of Limoges (no degree specified)
- **Known for**: Winning the FIFA World Cup (1998), Ballon d'Or (1998), and leading Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles as manager (2016–2018)
- **Employer(s)**: Real Madrid (player and manager), Juventus (player), France national team (player)
- **Field(s)**: Association football (player and manager)

## Contributions
Zinedine Zidane's contributions to football span both his playing career and managerial tenure:
- **Playing Career**:
  - Led France to victory in the **1998 FIFA World Cup**, scoring twice in the final against Brazil.
  - Won the **Ballon d'Or** in 1998, recognizing him as the best player in the world.
  - Played a pivotal role in France's **UEFA Euro 2000** victory.
  - Won the **FIFA World Player of the Year** award three times (1998, 2000, 2003).
  - Scored one of the most iconic goals in Champions League history—a volley for Real Madrid in the **2002 final** against Bayer Leverkusen.
- **Managerial Career**:
  - Managed Real Madrid to three consecutive **UEFA Champions League titles** (2016, 2017, 2018), a historic achievement.
  - Won multiple **FIFA Club World Cup** and **UEFA Super Cup** titles with Real Madrid.
  - Known for his tactical acumen and ability to manage high-profile players.

## FAQs
**What awards has Zinedine Zidane won?**
Zidane has received numerous accolades, including the **Ballon d'Or (1998)**, **FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003)**, and the **World Cup Golden Ball (2006)**. He was also named **Officer of the Legion of Honour** in France.

**Where did Zinedine Zidane play professionally?**
He played for clubs such as **AS Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid**, as well as the **France national team**.

**What is Zinedine Zidane's managerial record?**
As manager of Real Madrid, he won **three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016–2018)**, along with multiple domestic and international trophies.

**What is Zinedine Zidane's connection to France?**
Born in Marseille to Algerian parents, Zidane became a national hero after leading France to its first **World Cup victory in 1998** and was later honored with the **Legion of Honour**.

**What is Zinedine Zidane's nickname?**
He is commonly known as **"Zizou,"** a nickname used by fans and media worldwide.

## Why They Matter
Zinedine Zidane's influence on football is profound. As a player, he redefined the role of an attacking midfielder with his elegance, creativity, and clutch performances. His leadership in France's **1998 World Cup win** united a diverse nation and cemented his legacy as a national icon. As a manager, his tactical brilliance and man-management skills led Real Madrid to an unprecedented **three-peat in the Champions League**, setting a new standard for success in club football. His impact extends beyond trophies—he inspired generations of players and remains a symbol of excellence in the sport.

## Notable For
- **1998 FIFA World Cup winner** (France)
- **Ballon d'Or winner (1998)**
- **Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003)**
- **World Cup Golden Ball (2006)**
- **Officer of the Legion of Honour**
- **Three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles as manager (2016–2018)**
- **Iconic volley goal in the 2002 Champions League final**
- **UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador**

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Zinedine Yazid Zidane was born on **June 23, 1972**, in **Marseille, France**, to Algerian immigrant parents. Growing up in the tough **La Castellane** neighborhood, he developed his football skills on the streets before joining **AS Cannes** as a youth player.

### Playing Career
Zidane's professional career began at **AS Cannes** before he moved to **Bordeaux**, where his talent flourished. His performances earned him a transfer to **Juventus** in 1996, where he became one of the world's best midfielders, winning **two Serie A titles** and reaching the **Champions League final twice**.

In **2001**, he signed with **Real Madrid** for a then-world-record fee, where he scored the legendary **volley in the 2002 Champions League final** against Bayer Leverkusen. Internationally, he led **France to World Cup glory in 1998** and **Euro 2000**, becoming a national hero.

### Managerial Career
After retiring in 2006, Zidane transitioned into coaching. He took over **Real Madrid** in 2016 and immediately achieved success, winning the **Champions League in his first season**. He went on to secure **two more consecutive titles (2017, 2018)**, a feat unmatched in the modern era. His ability to manage star players like **Cristiano Ronaldo** and **Sergio Ramos** while maintaining tactical flexibility made him one of the most successful managers in club history.

### Awards and Honors
- **Ballon d'Or (1998)**
- **FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003)**
- **World Cup Golden Ball (2006)**
- **Officer of the Legion of Honour**
- **L'Équipe Champion of Champions (1998, 2000, 2001, 2003)**

### Personal Life and Legacy
Zidane is married with four children and has been involved in charitable work, including serving as a **UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador**. His **headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final** remains one of the most controversial moments in football history, but his overall legacy as a **player and manager** is untarnished. He is widely regarded as one of the **greatest footballers of all time** and a defining figure in French sports history.

### Affiliations and Recognition
- **UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador**
- **University of Limoges** (attended)
- **Real Madrid** (player and manager)
- **France national team** (player)

Zinedine Zidane's career is a testament to skill, leadership, and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on football both on and off the pitch.

## References

1. Zidane: The Biography. Ebury Press. 2018
2. Virtual International Authority File
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23. [2021](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2021/01/22/real-madrid-coach-zinedine-zidane-has-coronavirus/115347028/)
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