Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much
appreciated.
Close
Ad Feedback
Ad Feedback
The best (and worst) of Zinedine Zidane
Published
8:20 AM EDT, Thu September 27, 2012
Link Copied!
Zizou's bronze butt —
The moment French football superstar Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italy's Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final has been immortalized in a five meter bronze statue. The statue, positioned outside of Paris' Pompidou Museum, is the work of Algerian-born artist Adel Abdessemed.
Getty Images
Out with a bang —
The headbutt, which occured in the second half of extra-time, stunned the football world. Zidane scored from the penalty spot to give France a 1-0 lead, before Materazzi equalized. After 120 minutes of play and with the scores still level, the match went to penalties. Italy prevailed to win a third World Cup. The assault was the last action of Zidane's incredible career.
Getty Images
Brilliant brace —
Eight years earlier, Zidane had an altogether different World Cup experience. With an expectant French crowd looking on at the Stade de France, Zidane scored two first-half headers as France beat Brazil 3-0 in the 1998 final.
Getty Images
Allez Les Bleus! —
Zidane and his teammates, including Thierry Henry and Marcel Desailly, ensured France were crowned world champions for the first time.
Getty Images
Hammer at Hampden —
Four years later, Zidane painted his masterpiece at Hampden Park in Glasgow. With the scores level at 1-1 between Zidane's Real Madrid and Germany's Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 European Champions League final, the Frenchman expertly dispatched a Roberto Carlos cross with a stunning volley from the edge of the penalty area. The sumptuous strike was enough to secure Real a ninth European crown.