Gallery Highlight: Zinedine ‘Zizou’ Zidane’s Legacy

French football player Zinedine Zidane – popularly known as ‘Zizou’ – is the son of Algerian immigrants. A sporting idol to fans across multiple continents, Zidane led France to their first World Cup victory in 1998, scoring two out of the three winning goals in the final. Zidane also won the prestigious Ballon d’Or the same year.

He is a cultural icon in France, and a global superstar beloved for his elegance, fiery style and technical skills.

In 2004, at a ceremony celebrating 100 years of FIFA, Brazil’s Pelé revealed the ‘FIFA 100’ – his list of the world’s greatest football players, which included Zidane. Zidane was also named FIFA World Player of the Year three times throughout his career, and in his club career, he played for two giants of European football: Juventus and Real Madrid.

The items on display – on loan to QOSM from the Adidas archive – span several years of Zidane’s career successes. They include the 1998 World Cup France football shirt, signed by Zidane, in blue, white and red - the colours of the French flag.

The Predator XTRX boot, custom-made by Adidas for Zidane in honour of his third ‘FIFA Player of the Year’ title in 2003, is the second item on display in QOSM’s Hall of Athletes. This is the same type of Predator boot as the iconic gold boots worn by Zidane in the FIFA World Cup 2006. He wore them when scoring the last international goal of his remarkable career, before being dramatically sent off in the final against Italy.

The final item, a 1998 match football from FIFA World Cup France known as the ‘Tricolore’, rounds off the experience.

Zidane retired after the 2006 World Cup, later returning to Real Madrid as their coach. He led the team to three UEFA Champions Leagues and in 2017 he was honoured with the Best FIFA Men’s Coach Award.

Many expect Zidane to eventually take over from current France national team coach, and former captain, Didier Deschamps. Until then, his television appearances, endless former World Cup replays and these items, at QOSM’s Hall of Athletes, keep loyal fans coming back for more.

Plan your visit to 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum today to learn more about your favourite sports heroes.