Zinedine Yazid Zidane born (23 June 1972) is a French former footballer. Zidane played as an attacking midfielder for the French national team, Juventus and Real Madrid. Zidane was named best European footballer of the past 50 years by UEFA, and has been described by many commentators as one of the greatest players ever.
At club level Zidane won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, two Serie A league championships with Juventus and an Intercontinental Cup and a UEFA Super Cup each with both aforementioned sides. At international level, Zidane won FIFA World Cup 1998 and Euro 2000 with France. Zidane has won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times, and Ballon D'Or once. He was also chosen as the best player of the year in Ligue 1, in Serie A and in La Liga and was awarded the 2006 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, and European Championship Player of the tournament during his career. Zidane retired from professional football after the 2006 World Cup. He currently holds the post of Real Madrid Director of Football.
On 31 July 2012, Real Madrid announced that as soon as he completes management qualification, he will begin training to be a coach while at the same time coaching Real Madrid's youth academy.
