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Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Yazid Zidane (French: [zizu]; born June 23, 1972) is a French professional football manager and former player who played as an attacking midfielder. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he was renowned for his elegance, vision, passing, and ball control.

Born in Paris, France, Zidane began his career with Bordeaux before joining Juventus in 1996. His transfer to Juventus marked a significant turning point in his career, earning him a record-breaking €77.5 million transfer fee in 2001. This deal remains one of the highest ever paid for a player at that time.

Zidane's success continued as he joined Real Madrid in 2001, where he won numerous titles and accolades. In 2012 and 2017, respectively, Zidane was named in Real Madrid's and Juventus' greatest XI of all time, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in football history.

In recognition of his achievements, Zidane was included in FIFA's 100 list in 2004, a compilation of the world's best players compiled by Pelé. He also won the UEFA Golden Jubilee award for Best European Player of the Last 50 Years in 2004 and was named one of the top 125 footballers still alive at that time.

Zidane's impressive career spanned multiple clubs, including Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid, and the French national team. He won numerous titles with these teams, including the Champions League, World Cup, and European Football Championship. His performances on the field earned him widespread recognition, including being named FIFA's Best Player of the Year three times in 1998, 2000, and 2003.

In addition to his playing career, Zidane has also ventured into coaching, currently serving as a technical director for Real Madrid. Throughout his illustrious career, he has been recognized by various publications and organizations, including France Football magazine, which named him the best French footballer in history.