Happy Birthday Zizou: A look at his best moments

Zinedine Yazid Zidane, the man who does not need any introduction turns 48 today. Zizou as he is popularly known has given the football fans, many moments to cherish. A player the footballing world will hardly see again. The man to win all the possible trophies. After an illustrious career as a manager, Zidane took Real Madrid to a 3-peat of Champions League. Zizou was already a legendary player who is now on his way to become a legendary manager.

“Give me 10 pieces of wood and Zinedine Zidane and I will win you the Champions League” – Sir Alex Ferguson

When someone like SAF makes such a statement it is enough to describe Zidane’s legacy. As the Master of elegance turns 48 today, lets take a look at some of his best moments as a player and a manager.

1. Ballon D’or

Zinedine Zidane got his hands on the prestigious Ballon D’or in the year 1998. It was argyuably Zidane’s best year as a player. Zidane lead his nation, France to World Cup glory against Brazil in that year’s World Cup. He won the man of the match award for his performance in the finals.

At the club level, Zidane led Juventus to their second consecutive Champions league final to end as runners-up. In the Serie A Zidane scored 7 goals in 32 appearances as the Bianconeiri defended their title.

That year, Zidane was named the best player in Europe. Alongwith the Ballon D’or, Zidane also won the FIFA World player of the year award. This was the year when Zidane proved himself to be one of the best players in the world.

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2. 1998 World Cup Glory

France hosted the World Cup in 1998 for the second time in their history. The expectations were high from the France side and their talisman Zidane. His first real moment came in the quarter finals against Italy. After a 0-0 draw, Zidane scored the winning penalty in the shoot out to lead France to semi finals.

After overcoming Croatia, they were up against defending champions Brazil. The hosts France had a tight defence in the cup, as they conceded only 2 goals leadig to the finals. Cometh the hour, Cometh the man. A big performance from Zidane on the biggest stage of all. The Les Bleus defeated Brazil 3-0 to win their first World Cup.

Zidane was at the heart of it with two headers in the first half and an overall man of the match performance. The victory capped off a brilliant tournament for Zidane. The man of the match award in Word Cup final and Ballon D’or that year followed.

3. Transfer to Real Madrid

As they say in footballing world, to reach the top, you have to play for Real Madrid. Arguably the biggest club in football. After a brilliant year with Juventus which won him the Serie Player of the year award, Zidane moved to Madrid. The move also made Zidane the then most-expensive footballer ever.

Zidane’s signing complimented by Figo’s arrival a year before was the start of the famous “Los Galacticos” era for Real Madrid. From the day he signed till he retired in 2006, Zidane remained a key part of Madrid’s success.

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4. That volley in the 2002 Champions League final

Yes, the goal that everyone is thinking of. Arguably the greatest goal scored in Champions League. In Zidane’s first season at Madrid, he finally won the trophy which was missing in his records. The Champions League, and what a way to win it.

A moment of magic in the final from Zizou won the 9^th European Cup for Madrid. Roberto Carlos marauded down the left, before looping a cross inside. Zidane striked it with his weaker foot as the ball went bulleting to the top corner. A goal for ages. A goal to win the Champions League.

5. 2006 World Cup

When Zidane announced that he was going to retire after his season with Real Madrid, everyone knew World Cup was going to be the last time he will play. After already announcing his retirement 2 years prior, Zidane came back again for one last time. People doubted that the 34 year old was not the best as he once was. However, Zidane ran the show for France in the World Cup as he won the golden ball in his last appearance as a player.

The first thing everyone remembers is that headbutt. That iconic headbutt led to Zidane being sent off in the Worold Cup final which was his last game as a player. Zidane had opened the scoring with a cheeky penalty but France went on to lose on penalties. Zizou’s last game ended on a sad note. However, it was a World Cup to remember for him. After struggling to come out of the group stages, Zidane led his team brilliantly to the finals.

A goal against Spain was followed by an assist in the quarter finals against Brazil. It was Zizou again with the goal in semi final (Portugal) to lead France to the World Cup final. Throughout the tournament, Zidane was elegant and displayed his skills at the biggest stage of all.

6. Managerial success at Real Madrid

Zidane started his managerial career with the youth teams of Madrid. During the La Decima winning season for Madrid, Zidane was Ancelotti’s assistant. He was appointed as Madrid’s manager in 2016 January as the team was in crisis. Within 4 months, Zidane led Madrid to Champions League success. After the Champions League win, Zidane became the first person to win the UCL as a player, assistant manager and as a manager.

That was the start of a brilliant period for Madrid as next year they went on to defend their Champions League title and also won the La Liga. In 2018, Zidane and Madrid created history as they became the first club to win Champions League for three successive seasons. In his 2 and half years as a manager, Zidane won 9 titles and also set many sporting records.

This season he has returned as manager for Madrid. They are witnessing a good season as they are top of the La Liga. As good as a player Zidane was, he has proved to be equally capable as a manager. His man-management skills are underlined as one of the reasons for his success.

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