Zinedine Zidane is a name that has become synonymous with Real Madrid. The Frenchman is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever donned the famous white jersey.
After his playing days were over, Zidane returned to Madrid as a coach and led them to unprecedented success. But just how many years was Zidane at Madrid?
It’s important to note that Zidane had two separate stints at Real Madrid, one as a player and another as a coach. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Playing Career:
Zidane joined Real Madrid in 2001 for a then-world record fee of €77.5 million. He quickly established himself as a fan favorite with his mesmerizing skills and ability to score crucial goals. During his five-year stint at the club, Zidane won numerous titles including the La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Intercontinental Cup.
But it wasn’t just his individual accolades that made him so loved by the fans. It was also his leadership qualities and selflessness on the pitch that endeared him to everyone associated with the club. In 2006, he announced his retirement from professional football after winning the World Cup with France.
So how many years did he spend playing for Real Madrid?
Zidane played for Real Madrid for five seasons from 2001 to 2006.
Coaching Career:
After retiring from football, Zidane took up coaching and worked with various youth teams before being appointed as an assistant coach at Real Madrid in 2013. He later became the head coach of Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of Real Madrid.
In January 2016, he was appointed as the head coach of Real Madrid’s first team after Rafael Benitez was sacked. In his first season in charge, he led them to their 11th Champions League title, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final. He followed that up with two more Champions League titles in the next two seasons, making him the only coach in history to win the prestigious tournament three times in a row.
In May 2018, Zidane shocked everyone by announcing his resignation as Real Madrid’s head coach. However, he returned to the club in March 2019 after they struggled under his successors.
So how many years did he spend coaching Real Madrid?
Zidane was the head coach of Real Madrid for two and a half seasons from January 2016 to May 2018 and then again from March 2019 to May 2021.
Conclusion:
Zinedine Zidane is a legend at Real Madrid, both as a player and a coach. He spent five seasons playing for the club and won numerous titles during that time.
As a coach, he led them to unprecedented success with three consecutive Champions League titles. Although he has now left the club, his legacy will live on forever.