Zinedine Zidane
Zidane proved his World Cup heroics were no flash in the pan scoring two crucial goals in the European competition of 2000. He scored in the quarters against Spain and then the golden goal in the semi-final against Portugal.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: May 27, 2012 07:40 AM IST
Full name: Zinedine Yazid Zidane
Date of birth: 23 June 1972 (age 39)
Place of birth: Marseille, France
Playing position: Midfielder
Current role: Real Madrid, Director of Football
Zidane proved his World Cup heroics were no flash in the pan scoring two crucial goals in the European competition of 2000. He scored in the quarters against Spain and then the golden goal in the semi-final against Portugal. For his consistency in the midfield and ability to create chances out of nowhere he was adjudged the Player of the Tournament. The Euro 2000 victory also meant that France became the first team after West Germany in 1974 to hold the FIFA World Cup as well as the Euro trophy.
At the Euro 2004, Zidane brought back life into France's campaign when first his freekick and then a late penalty handed them a sweet 2-1 victory over England. France also defeated Switzerland to top their group but eventually were cut short by eventual champions Greece in the quarter finals.
Zidane made his final appearance for France in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they managed to reach the finals. He was awarded the Golden Ball too as the best player of the tournament. His infamous "headbutt" to Marco Materazzi came in the same game which resulted in him being expelled from the final. Zidane was also handed a 3-match suspension by FIFA but he had already announced his retirement from professional football. He then agreed to complete 3 days of community service with children. He also famously said once that he would "rather die" than apologise to Materazzi.
He currently is the Director of Football at Real Madrid.