Was Zidane a Barcelona Fan?
When it comes to football rivalries, few are as intense as the one between Barcelona and Real Madrid. These two Spanish giants have been battling it out on the pitch for decades, with fans on both sides fiercely loyal to their respective clubs.
But what about one of the greatest footballers of all time, Zinedine Zidane? Was he secretly a Barcelona fan?
The Early Years
Zidane was born in Marseille, France, in 1972. Growing up, he showed immense talent and passion for the game of football. His skills were noticed by scouts from top clubs across Europe, and he eventually signed with AS Cannes at the age of 16.
Despite not being associated with Barcelona during his early years, Zidane’s love for the game transcended club loyalties. He admired players from all teams, including those who donned the famous Blaugrana jersey.
Affection for Barça Legends
Zidane’s admiration for certain Barcelona legends is well-documented. One such player is Johan Cruyff, who not only had a successful playing career with Barcelona but also managed the team and implemented their iconic style of play known as “tiki-taka.” Cruyff’s influence on Zidane’s style of play cannot be denied.
- Xavi Hernandez: Another Barcelona great who earned Zidane’s respect was Xavi Hernandez. The midfield maestro was instrumental in Barcelona’s success during their dominant period under Pep Guardiola.
- Lionel Messi: No article about Barcelona is complete without mentioning Lionel Messi. Even though Zidane never played against Messi, he has expressed his admiration for the Argentine superstar on multiple occasions.
El Clásico Battles
Zidane’s playing career coincided with some memorable El Clásico battles between Barcelona and Real Madrid. While he wore the white jersey of Real Madrid, there were instances where his respect for Barcelona players shone through.
One such example is when Zidane famously applauded Ronaldinho’s stunning performance at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2005. Despite being on the receiving end of a masterclass, Zidane couldn’t help but appreciate the Brazilian’s remarkable skills.
Managing Real Madrid
After retiring as a player, Zidane took charge as the manager of Real Madrid in 2016. This role required him to put aside any personal preferences and solely focus on leading his team to success. While managing Real Madrid, Zidane faced Barcelona numerous times, but his commitment to his club never wavered.
A Respectful Foe
In conclusion, while it is difficult to say definitively whether Zidane was a Barcelona fan or not, it is clear that he held great respect for certain Barcelona players and their style of play. As one of football’s greatest ambassadors, Zidane demonstrated that admiration for one’s rivals can coexist with loyalty to one’s own club.
So no matter which side of the rivalry you find yourself on, there is no denying that Zinedine Zidane left an indelible mark on football, transcending club loyalties and inspiring players and fans alike.