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Zinedine Zidane
Helping France win the 1998 World Cup and coaching Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles.
France · Real Madrid
- Born
- 23 June 1972
- Birthplace
- Marseille, France
More people
Zinedine Zidane
A French attacking midfielder known for close control, precise passing and decisive goals. After playing for Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid, he became a trophy-winning club coach and took charge of France in 2026.
Early life
Marseille roots
Grew up in La Castellane, the youngest of five children of Algerian parents.
Youth football
Played for local clubs before joining Cannes, where his professional career began.
Career
- 1989–2001
From France to Italy
Made his professional debut at Cannes, developed at Bordeaux and joined Juventus in 1996.
- 2001–2006
Real Madrid player
Joined Madrid and completed his club career there before retiring after the 2006 World Cup.
- 2013–2016
Learning to coach
Worked as a first-team assistant at Madrid, then managed the club’s Castilla reserve side.
- 2016–2021
First-team management
Led Madrid in two spells, winning three Champions Leagues and two Spanish league titles.
- 2026
Leading France
Was appointed France head coach in July, taking up the role on 1 August.
Achievements
World Cup victory
Scored two headers as France beat Brazil 3–0 in the final to win their first world title.
European champion
Helped France follow their World Cup victory with the European Championship.
The Glasgow volley
Struck the winning left-foot volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League final.
A turbulent farewell
Won the World Cup Golden Ball, but was sent off in the final for headbutting Marco Materazzi.
Beyond football
Family life
Married Véronique Fernández in 1994; they have four sons.
Playing against poverty
Served as a UNDP goodwill ambassador and helped establish the Match Against Poverty with Ronaldo Nazário.
Sources & photo credit
Biographical reference ↗Real Madrid: playing career and birth facts ↗UEFA: three consecutive European titles ↗FIFA: the 1998 World Cup final ↗FFF: appointment as France head coach, July 2026 ↗UNDP: goodwill ambassador work ↗FIFA: memorable World Cup matches ↗Photo: Hadi Abyar / Tasnim News Agency. CC BY 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
