Zinédine Zidane, a renowned Franco-Algerian international footballer, was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille. Nicknamed Zizou, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of football, known for his exceptional skills as an attacking midfielder and playmaker.
Throughout his illustrious career, Zidane won numerous titles with both the French national team and the clubs he played for, including Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid. He was named the best player of the year at least once in each championship he played in, a testament to his consistent excellence on the pitch.
Zidane's individual accolades are numerous and impressive. According to the BBC, he is the best European player in history, while UEFA named him the best European player of the last fifty years in 2004. He was also included in Pelé and FIFA's joint ranking of the 125 best players in the world still alive in 2004.
Zidane's achievements on the international stage are equally impressive. He was a key player for the French national team, earning 108 caps and serving as captain 25 times. He played a crucial role in France's victories at the 1998 World Cup, 2000 European Championship, and 2006 World Cup, where he was named the best player of the tournament.
After retiring from playing, Zidane transitioned into coaching, taking the helm at Real Madrid in 2016. Under his leadership, the team won numerous titles, including three consecutive Champions League titles, a feat that had never been achieved before. He was also named the best coach in the world, becoming the first person in football history to win both the best player and best coach awards.
Zidane's coaching career was marked by several milestones, including Real Madrid's 34th Spanish championship title in the 2019-2020 season and its 11th Spanish Super Cup. He was recalled to the post of coach in March 2019 and won a second Liga title in 2020. At the end of the 2020-2021 season, he left his post as coach of Real Madrid.
Throughout his career, Zidane has been known for his exceptional skills, leadership, and dedication to the sport. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players and coaches in the history of football, and his achievements continue to inspire and motivate fans around the world.