Zinedine Zidane biography

Zinedine Zidane biography

NAME: Zinedine Zidane

OCCUPATION: Soccer Player

BIRTH DATE: June 23, 1972 (Age: 39)

PLACE OF BIRTH: Marseille, France

ZODIAC SIGN: Cancer

Athlete. Born Ziné dine Yazid Zidane on June 23, 1972 in Marseille, France. The son of Algerian immigrants, Zidane learned to play football in the streets of Marseilles, was discovered at age 14 by a talent scout, and signed as a schoolboy for Cannes FC. After a spell at Girondins de Bordeaux, he transferred to Italian club Juventus where he notched up a string of successes. He was a key player for his country in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final, scoring two goals in France's 3-0 victory over Brazil, and was hailed as a national hero.

In 2000 France added the European Championship to their achievements. His further honours include European Footballer of the Year (1998) and FIFA World Footballer of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003). In 2001 he signed for Spanish club Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee of 472 million, and his annual income is estimated at around 5 million.

France advanced past group play in the 2006 World Cup with a victory and two draws. Zidane scored the insurance goal as the French, after falling behind early, defeated Spain 3-1 in the round of 16. His perfectly placed free kick set up Thierry Henry's goal in the 57th minute as Les Bleus defeated Brazil in the quarterfinals, 1-0. Some observers had pegged Brazil as the pre-tournament favorite. Zidane's first-half penalty kick was enough for a 1-0 triumph over Portugal in the semifinals and the French were back in the title match, paired against three-time champion Italy on Sunday, July 9, 2006, at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.