Profile of Zinedine Zidane
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: Friday 23rd June 1972
Birthplace: Marseille France
Height: 1.85m
Weight: 80kg
Zidane, the son of immigrant Algerian parents was born in Marseille. His
ability was recognised from an early age and Bordeaux signed him up. In 1996
he joined Italian giants Juventus.
During his recent years in Serie A sporadic bursts of his brilliance have
shown his ability to unlock the best defences in the football, his domestic
honours have included two Italian titles along with one Uefa Cup.
It is however his ability to raise his game at international level that has
seen him crowned European and World Footballer of the Year in season
1998/99. With 56 caps and 14 goals to his name no player has been more
influential in bringing France success in World cup 1998 and Euro 2000.
Zidane perhaps represents the nearest thing to Michel Platini. He possesses
the gift of being able to change the pattern of a game within an instant.
His dribbling skills, passing ability and sublime touch give him the time to
create space at the highest level of football.
He also proved that he has the mental strength needed to raise himself for
the crucial games. His uncharacteristic two headed goals in the World Cup
final against Brazil and his demolition of the Spanish defence in the
quarter-finals of Euro 2000 were clear evidence of his continued rise in
status in world football.
Likes: Sailing
Most Famous For: Scoring two goals in the 1998 World Cup Final.
He Says: "Whoever says that I arrived at the Chatillon training camp last
summer with a special glint in my eyes was probably referring to the pride
and will to win that I have inside. I am pleased to be with Juventus and to
be coached by Carlo Ancelotti who came at a difficult moment and managed to
bring out the best in us."
"I don't feel like I'm a leader, at least not off the pitch, because I don't
speak very much. I prefer to be effective on the pitch."
They Say: "He's worth more than Rivaldo, but he's not up for sale."
- owner Gianni Agnelli.
"He has the body of a bear, the mind of a fox and, er, terrific skills."
- English commentator Brian Moore.
"He has a contract until 2003 and he is staying at Juve. I don't deny that
Barcelona have been in touch, just like Manchester United and other big
Italian and foreign clubs. It's just that we have no intention of releasing
one of the best players in the world - end of story."
- Juve vice-president Luciano Moggi in March 2000.
