Do you forget Zinedine Zidane - Part 2

Personal Career

At his peak when France hosted in 1998 World Cup,Zidane spearheaded Les Bleus' march through the tournament with his crisp passing and dribbling,and scored twice as France shut down Brazil in the final 3-0,to become a national hero.Two years later,Ziadene again was the linchpin of teams French run to international glory,which culminated with a 2-1 win over Italy for the European Championship.

 

In 2001,Zidane signed with  Spanish Club Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee of more that $66 million.The investment paid immediately dividends,as the French import helped real Madrid win the coveted UEFA Champions League tittle in his first year,and La Liga in the following season.

 

Zidane had indicated he would retire after 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany,and it appeared his career was heading for a storybook finish when France advanced to the final against Italy.Instead,it ended in shocking fashion when,enraged by opponent Marco Materazzi's comment to him in extra time,he slammed his head into the Italian Player's chest.Zidane was thrown out of the game,and France subsequently lost on penalty kicks.

Post-Playing Career & Legacy

  In 2004,Zidane was named best European soccer player of the past 50 years by the UEFA golden Jubilee poll and was included in the FIFA 100,Pele's list of the 125 greatest living player.He remains one a handful of greats to win the FIFA World player of the year and Ballond'Or award three times.

 

Appointed a United Nation's Goodwill ambassador in March,2001.Zidane annually captains a team of soccer stars against a side led by fellow retired idol and UN ambassador Ronaldo,in a match for charity,in2010,he also served as a high profile ambassador Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup.

 

Zidane joined Rial Madrid's front office as an adviser and was named the club's sporting Director in 2011.The following year it was announced the French soccer legend would begin couching at the Real Madrid Youth Academy.the first step in  a new career of calling the shots from the sidelines of his beloved game.