Zinedine Zidane will always be regarded as one of the all-time greats of the game, but his final match in the most successful of careers was tainted by a careless red card while playing for France against Italy in the 2006 World Cup final. A man who led his nation to international triumph in 1998 while winning three FIFA World Player of the Year awards, a Ballon d'Or, and other honors, made his final appearance at the Berlin Olympic Stadium under murky circumstances.
Throughout the 2006 World Cup final, the two individuals at the focus of a historic coming together had a prominent position. In the match, Zidane scored from the penalty spot to break the tie after seven minutes, but Marco Materazzi tied the score with 19 minutes remaining.
The score would stay tied at 1-1, prompting extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout. After tussling with Materazzi midway inside the Italian half, Zidane was given his marching orders in the 110th minute and was unable to convert a second time from 12 yards.
What happened?
The score would stay tied at 1-1, prompting extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout. After tussling with Materazzi midway inside the Italian half, Zidane was given his marching orders in the 110th minute and was unable to convert a second time from 12 yards.
Why did Zidane headbutt Materazzi?
“He provoked me by talking about my sister Lila,” Zidane said. “I’m not proud of it, but it’s part of my career. At that time, I was more fragile. He didn’t insult my mother, but he did insult my sister.”
Materazzi has also discussed the event and described what prompted the Frenchman to headbutt him.
“You know the NBA? Trash talking – my trash talking nothing, very minimal, nothing,” Materazzi told. “He offered me his jersey, I say, “No, I prefer your sister'”.
What did the referee say?
“Dreadful, Zidane’s head-butt on Materazzi was dreadful … Fuck! Zidane head-butted Materazzi. When you see the video you will not believe me,” the referee who sent Zidane said.
David Trezeguet fluffed his lines for Les Bleus as France lost 5-3 on penalties. When his heartbroken teammates returned to the locker room with silver medals, Zidane quickly apologised for his expensive blood rush.
Some of Zidane’s teammates weren't happy about it. For two years, Sagnol didn't communicate with Zidane. And for that group, this marked the passing of something. France's third major prize in eight years, a World Cup victory would have cemented that team's place among the all-time greats.
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