Zinedine Zidane, commonly known as Zizou, is one of the most iconic figures in the history of Real Madrid. He has been associated with the club for over two decades, both as a player and a coach.
But the question that arises is whether he is a Madrid legend or not? Let’s dive deep and find out.
Early Days at Real Madrid
Zidane joined Real Madrid in 2001 from Juventus as the most expensive player at that time. He was brought in to lead a star-studded lineup that included players like Raul, Figo, Roberto Carlos, and many more. In his first season itself, he helped the team clinch the Champions League trophy with a stunning goal against Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
The Galacticos Era
The early 2000s were an era of dominance for Real Madrid, with Zidane being one of their key players. Along with other superstars like Ronaldo, Beckham, and Roberto Carlos, Zidane formed part of what was called “Galacticos”. During his five-year stint at Real Madrid as a player, he won numerous titles including La Liga (2003), UEFA Champions League (2002 & 2003), and Intercontinental Cup (2002).
The Return as a Coach
After retiring from football in 2006, Zidane returned to Real Madrid as an advisor to then-coach Carlo Ancelotti. In 2014, he was appointed as the coach of Real Madrid Castilla (the reserve team). And finally in 2016, he became the head coach of Real Madrid’s first team.
The Success Story
As a coach too, Zidane has been highly successful at Real Madrid. He has won three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018), two La Liga titles (2017 & 2020), and two Club World Cups (2016 & 2017). His tactics, man-management skills, and ability to handle the egos of star players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale have been praised by fans and experts alike.
The Legacy
Zidane’s contribution to Real Madrid has been immense, both as a player and a coach. He has won numerous trophies with the club and has been instrumental in shaping their success story.
He is one of the few people who have won the Champions League both as a player and as a coach. His playing style, with his elegant ball control, vision, and passing ability, is still remembered fondly by Madridistas.
Conclusion
To answer the question whether Zidane is a Madrid legend or not, it is safe to say that he definitely is. His achievements as a player and coach speak for themselves.
He has played an integral role in making Real Madrid one of the most successful clubs in the world. And even today, he continues to inspire young players with his passion for football and his love for Real Madrid.
- Key Takeaways:
- Zinedine Zidane is one of the most iconic figures in the history of Real Madrid.
- He won numerous titles during his playing days at Real Madrid.
- As a coach too, he has been highly successful at Real Madrid.
- Zidane’s contributions to Real Madrid have been immense.
- He is definitely a legend at Real Madrid.