بِسْمِ اﷲِالرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْم
"I wasn't the only one good at football,the only thing is that at one point that's all I thought about. I didn't want to do anything else! At one point you could say I am going to see my friends, I want to do this, I want to go to the movies. I never wanted to go to the movies. All I was interested in was to kick a ball."-Zinedine Zidane
5 years have passed since we last saw the man in competitive action, but his performances and class have left an indelible impression on anyone whoever watched this maestro play. His exquisite ball-control, extravagant passes, audacious volleys, intricate movement and pretty much everything else has still not been forgotten by all of us. He was inspired by Enzo Francescoli, after which Zidane named his first son.The last 5 years has just shown the World how much a genius as Zizou has been missed in the game. The man turns 39 this month, let us go through how he attained this monumental image.....
Aresene Wenger once commented on Zidane's technique," Zidane has an exceptional co-ordination, and exceptional touch on the ball. Every area three yards around Zidane, you give him the ball where you want it and he puts it back in its place(at his feet)."
His parents, Smail and Malika where immigrants from Aguemone in Algeria. During mid 1960s they moved to suburbs of La Castellane, in Marseille, to find employment. On 23rd June 1972, Yazid(Zizou), the youngest of five siblings was born. At the age of 5 Zizou was introduced to football, when he joined in neighborhood matches. Zizou was attending school, learning Judo(in which he received a green belt), bicycling and skateboarding, but his passion lied in Football.
Zizou once said,"Its your parents that kind of show you the way, they show you how to be in life. My parents were very important to me, they only wanted one thing and it was to be able to say that my son will do something with his life.In fact they always taught us three things, respect of others,work and to be serious. Without it(seriousness) you can never achieve anything."
At the age of 10 he joined a local club named US Saint-Henri. One and a half years later he joined SO Septemes Valons. He spent 4 years at Septemes, from here he was selected to attend a 3 day training FFF(French Football Federation) camp at CREPS(Regional Center for Sports and Physical Education). Jean Varraud, AS Cannes Scout, spotted Zizou and recommended him to the Club's sporting director. Zizou was initially called for a six week stay, but it lasted for 4 years.
It was at Cannes where Zizou realized that he wanted to be a professional footballer. His sheer dedication and immense talent started nurturing under experienced eyes of Jean Fernandez(Cannes 1st team coach). With support from Elineaus( his host family at Cannes) and Varraud, Zizou sailed through the tough transition of living away from his parents.
Jean Fernandez recalled the moment when he first saw Yazid, "Varraud comes into my office and asks me to see this kid "Yazid", I said to him that I am too tired, I will see him next day or next week, but he insisted a lot so I went to watch the kids train, it was right next to the pro's training field, Yazid was the youngest among all trainees and right there, the first or maybe second time he touched the ball one could tell that there was something special in his technique, he was very very good."
Zizou made his debut for Cannes against Nantes in 1989-1990, he was already a top flight player despite being 16 years of age. Zidane was not consistent enough to stay in the starting line-up, but after a few hiccups, Zizou picked up his form and regained his starting place. In 1990-1991 season Zidane scores his first goal against Nantes. Zizou met Véronique Fernandéz, his future wife, a day before the goal, and after that Zidane's career graph took a steep turn upwards. Cannes qualified for EUFA cup. But next season, Cannes had a torrid run at their domestic league and as a result were relegated. But Zizou was too good to play for a lower division outfit, too many clubs were interested in signing him. He chose Girondins de Bordeaux as his future home.
It was here that the combination of Zizou, Dugarry and Lizarazu started flourishing and later became a feature of the French National team during the 98' World Cup. At a personal level Bordeaux proved to be very fruitful for Zidane, he got married, had his first child and struck camaraderie with Cristophe Dugarry. With Bordeaux, Zidane won an Intertoto and finished runner's up at 95-96 UEFA Cup. It was at Bordeaux, that Zizou discovered his expertise in striking dead-balls, which later went on to become a trademark feature of his game.
It was at Bordeaux that Yazid got an alias, a name which will stick to lips of all football fans for a very long time to come, Zizou. The person credited for naming him so was Rolland Courbis(Bordeaux's First Team Coach). He called Zidane "Zizou", because his football-style gave him reminiscence of another player, who was called "Zizou" many years before.
Very few players can boast of a debut for the national team as good as Zidane. August 17, 1994 Zidane came on as a sub against Czech Republic, France were 2-0 down, the match was being played at Bordeaux. Zidane went on to score two goals, one with his left foot and other with his head. France drew 2-2, that day kicked-off, what was to be a fantastic (International) career. In Euro 96', Zidane played as France's primary play-maker. Zizou was involved in a car crash before the tournament and never really gained full fitness. France lost to Netherlands in the semis.
After the Euro 96', Marcello Lippi's Juventus came knocking on Zizou's door. Zidane arrived at a club of huge stature and an even bigger demand. Zizou had to go through tough Italian style training. Up till then Football meant happiness to Zizou, but after Juventus happened, it was more about professionalism. With Juve, Zizou wins back to back Scudetto, a European Super Cup, a World Club Championship, an Intertoto and reaches consecutive Champions League Finals, but had to return empty-handed both times due to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively.
Marcello Lippi commented on Zizou's game, " He(Zidane) had everything he needed, he played like he knows how to, he has a natural talent, He plays the way he feels it. I don't think a trainer could teach him anything, either in his way of moving or his positioning, but he does lack one thing, winning. He ain't used to winning."
Till 1998, greatness was still deluding Zizou. He still didn't have the two of the most prestigious trophies in this world, the Champions League and above all the World Cup. But all that changed in the 1998 France World Cup. For two years Aime Jacquet's boys work relentlessly hard, with the aim of living up to the expectations of the home crowd and to achieve eternal glory. Team spirit started building-up and slowly and steadily performances started coming in. In that period Zizou scored a beauty against Norway. A goal which depicts his class, composure and exquisite technical brilliance.
France topped the group in which they were billed against Denmark, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Zizou was brilliant. But in the second game against Saudi Arabia, the world got to see a part of the great man which left most people in shock. Zizou lost his cool at the continuous fouling by Saudi players and he stamped at one of his opposition players. Zizou was shown the red card and had to sit out the next two matches. France play Paraguay in the round of 16. It was close match but France sailed through without their 'numero uno' play-maker. France next faced Italy, both teams were evenly matched, but France with Zizou back in the side won via penalty shoot-out. Next up were the Croatia, the Croatians took the lead despite the French dominating the first half. But the resilient French side bounced back, with Thuram( an unlikely scorer) scoring two brilliant goals and taking France to the Final. In the final France face the favorites and the best performers in World Cup history, Brazil(who were defending their title ). Zidane scored two goals in the Final, France wins 3-0 and overnight Zizou becomes a national hero. Zizou won the golden ball of the tournament, the Ballon D'or and the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Aime Jacquet quotes," A national team can only be a World Champion, if it has a genius in the team."
After the World Cup, Zizou experienced a dip in form. Zizou was below par for Juventus, he found difficulties in motivating himself, Lippi resigned and was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. May 1999, Zizou undergoes a knee operation. But his international form was unaffected by all this. In Euro 2000, Zizou once again dazzled the world with his consistency at being brilliant. France qualify in a group which pitted them against Denmark, Czech Republic and Holland. They meet Spain in the quarters, Zizou scores from a free-kick and gives France the lead. France then concede a penalty, Mandieta levels the scores. Then France take the lead through Djorkaeff, but concede another penalty in the dying seconds of the match. Raul narrowly misses and France meet with Portugal in the semis. Against Portugal the scores are tied(1-1) in normal time. France win a penalty in 2nd half of the extra-time, Zizou steps-up and pushes France into the finals. In the Finals, France trailed the match for much of the 90 mins, but a last ditch attack brought them to level terms. Trezeguet scores in the extra-time and France win the Euro. Zidane won the player of the championship and FIFA World Player of the Year.
After the Euro, Zidane raised his club form and showcased real hunger and desire. But two red cards in 2000-2001 season were reasons enough for him to not be able to win the Ballon D'or the second time. Feb 2001, Zidane scores one of the best goals of his career against Germany. But narrowly misses out on his second Scudetto as Juve dropped points against the eventual champions, Roma. In the match against Roma, Zizou was in scintillating form. He assisted the first goal and scored the second, but Juve gave away the 2-0 lead in second half.
In July 2001, Real Madrid came calling, making him the most expensive player of all time( a record which was recently broken). In an 2001 interview he told the press that he would play out his four years(as mentioned in the contract) and then retire from Football, he never went back on that decision. He won the Champions League with Real in his first season, scoring a goal in the final, which is now hugely considered to be the best Champions League Final goal of all time. He also won a Liga title with Madrid and his last FIFA World Player of the Year Trophy(2003).Though Real suffered a trophy drought but Zizou continued to mesmerize the Bernabeu.
Luis Ronaldo said in an interview, "Scoring is something everyone can do, but scoring beautiful goals like the one in the Champions League Final, it was a fantastic goal. I might try it 10 times and might never make one like that. His vision in the game is fantastic, its like his eyes are not looking at you but he can see you." In 2002 World Cup, Zizou is injured in warm-ups and France without their inspirational No.10 bow out from group stage without scoring a goal. It was the worst performance by a defending champion in World Cup history. In 2004 Euro, Zizou scored a free-kick and a penalty to make France win their first group match against England. His rejuvenated form made pundits predict that France might defend their Euro crown. But France lost in the semis to the eventual surprise winners Greece. Zidane announced his international retirement after the tournament.
In 2005, Zizou was called out of international retirement by Raymond Domenech. In 2006 Germany World Cup, Zizou was mediocre during the group stages. He was suspended for the final game of the group, but France somehow managed qualification. They faced the Spaniards in the round of 16. France went a goal down in the first half and were getting hugely dominated by Spain. Just before half-time Ribery scores for France and suddenlt there was a shift in the balance, to as which side the tie was going to. Zizou turned on the style and the French took the lead as Zidane assisted Viera. Zidane scored himself in the final minutes as he gracefully went past Puyol and elegantly finished past Casillas. Next-up were the mighty Brazilians. Brazil had not lost a World Cup match after their 3-0 defeat against France in 1998, and were considered the favorites for this edition as well but Zizou had different ideas. Zizou outclassed and outshone all the talent present on the field with his touches and movement. He assisted Henry from a free-kick and France went on to hold their lead and set-up a meeting against Figo's Portugal. Zizou showcased his composure and scored from the spot, one goal proved enough for France to set-up a date against Italy in the finals. The Italians had only conceded one goal before the final and boasted of having the best defense in the tournament with Cannavaro at the heart of it. But France won a penalty and Zizou coolly sent Buffon the wrong way and placed the ball home. Materazzi equalized for Italy and the match went on to extra-time. Zizou's thumping header was saved by Buffon. Just seconds later, an event marked the end of the illustrious career. Zidane headbutted Materazzi, because Materazzi passed a cheap comment on Zizou's sister. France lost in the penalty shoot-out and this incidence became a more talked about event than the man himself. Nonetheless, Zizou won the Golden Ball again and retired from competitive football.
Valdano (Real's General Manager at the time) said in an interview "What impresses me is his ability to open up the play. Each day football is getting more physical,harder and uglier but when the ball goes by Zidane you feel like the game breathes once again and everything seems nicer, easier and that in today's football is revolutionary."
Zizou holds the record for being in the FIFA World Player of the year top 3 six times through-out his career. Out of the three times he won the World Player none were consecutive, implying that he can boast of having peaked not just for a period of a year or two but over the course his playing career. He is a player who retired at the top of his game, not a lot players can boast about that. He can also boast of having scored goals in the last match of both his club and international career. We just wish that this legend would have entranced us with his talent and elegance a little longer.
(ArticlesBase SC #4991011)
5 years have passed since we last saw the man in competitive action, but his performances and class have left an indelible impression on anyone whoever watched this maestro play. His exquisite ball-control, extravagant passes, audacious volleys, intricate movement and pretty much everything else has still not been forgotten by all of us. He was inspired by Enzo Francescoli, after which Zidane named his first son.The last 5 years has just shown the World how much a genius as Zizou has been missed in the game. The man turns 39 this month, let us go through how he attained this monumental image.....
Aresene Wenger once commented on Zidane's technique," Zidane has an exceptional co-ordination, and exceptional touch on the ball. Every area three yards around Zidane, you give him the ball where you want it and he puts it back in its place(at his feet)."
His parents, Smail and Malika where immigrants from Aguemone in Algeria. During mid 1960s they moved to suburbs of La Castellane, in Marseille, to find employment. On 23rd June 1972, Yazid(Zizou), the youngest of five siblings was born. At the age of 5 Zizou was introduced to football, when he joined in neighborhood matches. Zizou was attending school, learning Judo(in which he received a green belt), bicycling and skateboarding, but his passion lied in Football.
Zizou once said,"Its your parents that kind of show you the way, they show you how to be in life. My parents were very important to me, they only wanted one thing and it was to be able to say that my son will do something with his life.In fact they always taught us three things, respect of others,work and to be serious. Without it(seriousness) you can never achieve anything."
At the age of 10 he joined a local club named US Saint-Henri. One and a half years later he joined SO Septemes Valons. He spent 4 years at Septemes, from here he was selected to attend a 3 day training FFF(French Football Federation) camp at CREPS(Regional Center for Sports and Physical Education). Jean Varraud, AS Cannes Scout, spotted Zizou and recommended him to the Club's sporting director. Zizou was initially called for a six week stay, but it lasted for 4 years.
It was at Cannes where Zizou realized that he wanted to be a professional footballer. His sheer dedication and immense talent started nurturing under experienced eyes of Jean Fernandez(Cannes 1st team coach). With support from Elineaus( his host family at Cannes) and Varraud, Zizou sailed through the tough transition of living away from his parents.
Jean Fernandez recalled the moment when he first saw Yazid, "Varraud comes into my office and asks me to see this kid "Yazid", I said to him that I am too tired, I will see him next day or next week, but he insisted a lot so I went to watch the kids train, it was right next to the pro's training field, Yazid was the youngest among all trainees and right there, the first or maybe second time he touched the ball one could tell that there was something special in his technique, he was very very good."
Zizou made his debut for Cannes against Nantes in 1989-1990, he was already a top flight player despite being 16 years of age. Zidane was not consistent enough to stay in the starting line-up, but after a few hiccups, Zizou picked up his form and regained his starting place. In 1990-1991 season Zidane scores his first goal against Nantes. Zizou met Véronique Fernandéz, his future wife, a day before the goal, and after that Zidane's career graph took a steep turn upwards. Cannes qualified for EUFA cup. But next season, Cannes had a torrid run at their domestic league and as a result were relegated. But Zizou was too good to play for a lower division outfit, too many clubs were interested in signing him. He chose Girondins de Bordeaux as his future home.
It was here that the combination of Zizou, Dugarry and Lizarazu started flourishing and later became a feature of the French National team during the 98' World Cup. At a personal level Bordeaux proved to be very fruitful for Zidane, he got married, had his first child and struck camaraderie with Cristophe Dugarry. With Bordeaux, Zidane won an Intertoto and finished runner's up at 95-96 UEFA Cup. It was at Bordeaux, that Zizou discovered his expertise in striking dead-balls, which later went on to become a trademark feature of his game.
It was at Bordeaux that Yazid got an alias, a name which will stick to lips of all football fans for a very long time to come, Zizou. The person credited for naming him so was Rolland Courbis(Bordeaux's First Team Coach). He called Zidane "Zizou", because his football-style gave him reminiscence of another player, who was called "Zizou" many years before.
Very few players can boast of a debut for the national team as good as Zidane. August 17, 1994 Zidane came on as a sub against Czech Republic, France were 2-0 down, the match was being played at Bordeaux. Zidane went on to score two goals, one with his left foot and other with his head. France drew 2-2, that day kicked-off, what was to be a fantastic (International) career. In Euro 96', Zidane played as France's primary play-maker. Zizou was involved in a car crash before the tournament and never really gained full fitness. France lost to Netherlands in the semis.
After the Euro 96', Marcello Lippi's Juventus came knocking on Zizou's door. Zidane arrived at a club of huge stature and an even bigger demand. Zizou had to go through tough Italian style training. Up till then Football meant happiness to Zizou, but after Juventus happened, it was more about professionalism. With Juve, Zizou wins back to back Scudetto, a European Super Cup, a World Club Championship, an Intertoto and reaches consecutive Champions League Finals, but had to return empty-handed both times due to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid respectively.
Marcello Lippi commented on Zizou's game, " He(Zidane) had everything he needed, he played like he knows how to, he has a natural talent, He plays the way he feels it. I don't think a trainer could teach him anything, either in his way of moving or his positioning, but he does lack one thing, winning. He ain't used to winning."
Till 1998, greatness was still deluding Zizou. He still didn't have the two of the most prestigious trophies in this world, the Champions League and above all the World Cup. But all that changed in the 1998 France World Cup. For two years Aime Jacquet's boys work relentlessly hard, with the aim of living up to the expectations of the home crowd and to achieve eternal glory. Team spirit started building-up and slowly and steadily performances started coming in. In that period Zizou scored a beauty against Norway. A goal which depicts his class, composure and exquisite technical brilliance.
France topped the group in which they were billed against Denmark, South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Zizou was brilliant. But in the second game against Saudi Arabia, the world got to see a part of the great man which left most people in shock. Zizou lost his cool at the continuous fouling by Saudi players and he stamped at one of his opposition players. Zizou was shown the red card and had to sit out the next two matches. France play Paraguay in the round of 16. It was close match but France sailed through without their 'numero uno' play-maker. France next faced Italy, both teams were evenly matched, but France with Zizou back in the side won via penalty shoot-out. Next up were the Croatia, the Croatians took the lead despite the French dominating the first half. But the resilient French side bounced back, with Thuram( an unlikely scorer) scoring two brilliant goals and taking France to the Final. In the final France face the favorites and the best performers in World Cup history, Brazil(who were defending their title ). Zidane scored two goals in the Final, France wins 3-0 and overnight Zizou becomes a national hero. Zizou won the golden ball of the tournament, the Ballon D'or and the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Aime Jacquet quotes," A national team can only be a World Champion, if it has a genius in the team."
After the World Cup, Zizou experienced a dip in form. Zizou was below par for Juventus, he found difficulties in motivating himself, Lippi resigned and was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. May 1999, Zizou undergoes a knee operation. But his international form was unaffected by all this. In Euro 2000, Zizou once again dazzled the world with his consistency at being brilliant. France qualify in a group which pitted them against Denmark, Czech Republic and Holland. They meet Spain in the quarters, Zizou scores from a free-kick and gives France the lead. France then concede a penalty, Mandieta levels the scores. Then France take the lead through Djorkaeff, but concede another penalty in the dying seconds of the match. Raul narrowly misses and France meet with Portugal in the semis. Against Portugal the scores are tied(1-1) in normal time. France win a penalty in 2nd half of the extra-time, Zizou steps-up and pushes France into the finals. In the Finals, France trailed the match for much of the 90 mins, but a last ditch attack brought them to level terms. Trezeguet scores in the extra-time and France win the Euro. Zidane won the player of the championship and FIFA World Player of the Year.
After the Euro, Zidane raised his club form and showcased real hunger and desire. But two red cards in 2000-2001 season were reasons enough for him to not be able to win the Ballon D'or the second time. Feb 2001, Zidane scores one of the best goals of his career against Germany. But narrowly misses out on his second Scudetto as Juve dropped points against the eventual champions, Roma. In the match against Roma, Zizou was in scintillating form. He assisted the first goal and scored the second, but Juve gave away the 2-0 lead in second half.
In July 2001, Real Madrid came calling, making him the most expensive player of all time( a record which was recently broken). In an 2001 interview he told the press that he would play out his four years(as mentioned in the contract) and then retire from Football, he never went back on that decision. He won the Champions League with Real in his first season, scoring a goal in the final, which is now hugely considered to be the best Champions League Final goal of all time. He also won a Liga title with Madrid and his last FIFA World Player of the Year Trophy(2003).Though Real suffered a trophy drought but Zizou continued to mesmerize the Bernabeu.
Luis Ronaldo said in an interview, "Scoring is something everyone can do, but scoring beautiful goals like the one in the Champions League Final, it was a fantastic goal. I might try it 10 times and might never make one like that. His vision in the game is fantastic, its like his eyes are not looking at you but he can see you." In 2002 World Cup, Zizou is injured in warm-ups and France without their inspirational No.10 bow out from group stage without scoring a goal. It was the worst performance by a defending champion in World Cup history. In 2004 Euro, Zizou scored a free-kick and a penalty to make France win their first group match against England. His rejuvenated form made pundits predict that France might defend their Euro crown. But France lost in the semis to the eventual surprise winners Greece. Zidane announced his international retirement after the tournament.
In 2005, Zizou was called out of international retirement by Raymond Domenech. In 2006 Germany World Cup, Zizou was mediocre during the group stages. He was suspended for the final game of the group, but France somehow managed qualification. They faced the Spaniards in the round of 16. France went a goal down in the first half and were getting hugely dominated by Spain. Just before half-time Ribery scores for France and suddenlt there was a shift in the balance, to as which side the tie was going to. Zizou turned on the style and the French took the lead as Zidane assisted Viera. Zidane scored himself in the final minutes as he gracefully went past Puyol and elegantly finished past Casillas. Next-up were the mighty Brazilians. Brazil had not lost a World Cup match after their 3-0 defeat against France in 1998, and were considered the favorites for this edition as well but Zizou had different ideas. Zizou outclassed and outshone all the talent present on the field with his touches and movement. He assisted Henry from a free-kick and France went on to hold their lead and set-up a meeting against Figo's Portugal. Zizou showcased his composure and scored from the spot, one goal proved enough for France to set-up a date against Italy in the finals. The Italians had only conceded one goal before the final and boasted of having the best defense in the tournament with Cannavaro at the heart of it. But France won a penalty and Zizou coolly sent Buffon the wrong way and placed the ball home. Materazzi equalized for Italy and the match went on to extra-time. Zizou's thumping header was saved by Buffon. Just seconds later, an event marked the end of the illustrious career. Zidane headbutted Materazzi, because Materazzi passed a cheap comment on Zizou's sister. France lost in the penalty shoot-out and this incidence became a more talked about event than the man himself. Nonetheless, Zizou won the Golden Ball again and retired from competitive football.
Valdano (Real's General Manager at the time) said in an interview "What impresses me is his ability to open up the play. Each day football is getting more physical,harder and uglier but when the ball goes by Zidane you feel like the game breathes once again and everything seems nicer, easier and that in today's football is revolutionary."
Zizou holds the record for being in the FIFA World Player of the year top 3 six times through-out his career. Out of the three times he won the World Player none were consecutive, implying that he can boast of having peaked not just for a period of a year or two but over the course his playing career. He is a player who retired at the top of his game, not a lot players can boast about that. He can also boast of having scored goals in the last match of both his club and international career. We just wish that this legend would have entranced us with his talent and elegance a little longer.
(ArticlesBase SC #4991011)
ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ
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