Zinedine Zidane, for the modern football fan, is known for his historic stint at Real Madrid. With Cristiano Ronaldo as the main man, Zidane created one of the most feared teams in football history that won the UEFA Champions League thrice in a row. He also won multiple La Liga titles as Real Madrid manager. Zidane is also known for his legendary football career as a player ,especially for his iconic time at Real Madrid and the French national team. However, what is unknown to most football fans of today is Zidane's magical time at Juventus. So let us now look at the time Zinedine Zidane showcased his special footballing abilities in a Juventus shirt.
Zinedine Zidane at Juventus - a memorable 5 years
After consistently putting up immensely impressive performances for club Bordeaux and his national side France, Zidane received several offers from Europe's top clubs in the spring of 1996. He eventually decided to join then Champions Semenyo winners Juventus during the close season. Zidane went on to make an immediate impact at Juventus, helping them win the 1996–97 Serie A title and the 1996 Intercontinental Cup. His outstanding performs on the field even led to him being named the Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year. The Frenchman's reputation at the time also growing immensely, which led to him being chosen in a European XI to face a World XI during December 1997, where he linked up with superstar forwards Ronaldo and Gabriel Batistuta.
Zidane operated as a playmaker at Juventus, just behind striker Alessandro Del Piero. The Italian forward had even said the following about Zidane: "he had an extraordinary talent, which contributed to his sole interest in helping the team. He was not a selfish player. He had a unique ability to be great and to be a team player. I was lucky to play with him". Despite Juventus having such iconic stars in their team, they ended up losing the 1997 UEFA Champions League Final 3-1 against Borussia Dortmund. Zidane wasn't able to make much of an impact in the game, as he was effectively marked by Dortmund star Paul Lambert.
The Champions League heartbreak was eventually forgotten, and Zidane continued his excellence in the following season. He went on to score some crucial goals to Help Juventus win the 1997–98 Serie A, making it 2 consecutive league titles in a row. Juventus managed to reach yet another Champions League final as well, but they ended losing again, this time 1-0 to Real Madrid. Despite the heartbreak, Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year, and won the Ballon d'Or in 1998. He continued to play for Juventus till 2001, until he made a then world-record €77.5 million to Real Madrid. That was the end of his iconic time with the Bianconeri.
Zinedine Zidane FAQs
1. Which are Zinedine Zidane teams coached?
Zinedine Zidane has coached Real Madrid Castilla and Real Madrid.
2. Where is Zinedine Zidane coaching now?
Zinedine Zidane is currently not coaching any time.
3. What are Zinedine Zidane dates joined?
The following are timeline of clubs joined by Zinedine Zidane:
1989–1992 Cannes
1992–1996 Bordeaux
1996–2001 Juventus
2001–2006 Real Madrid
4. What are Zinédine zidane stats?
Zinédine zidane has scored 125 goals in 695 appearances. He has also scored 31 goals in 108 games.
5. Where is Enzo Zidane playing?
Enzo Zidane doesn't play for any club now, as he announced his retirement from professional football at age 29 to focus family matters and his own investments.
