Zinedine Zidane took center stage at the prestigious Festival Dello Sport, organized by La Gazzetta dello Sport, where he reflected on his illustrious career. The event, which celebrates sporting excellence across generations, found a fitting ambassador in Zidane. A former Real Madrid icon and a coaching mastermind, Zidane’s legacy is cemented not only by his World Cup triumph with France in 1998 but also by an extraordinary period at the helm of Los Blancos, where he led the team to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
When asked to share the pinnacle of his career beyond that World Cup victory, Zidane immediately cited the 2017 Champions League final held in Cardiff. In that unforgettable match, Real Madrid triumphed over Juventus with a resounding 4-1 scoreline. “The best moment of my career after the World Cup? Our second Champions League against Juventus. The way we played that second half was truly spectacular,” he recalled with palpable pride. “I’ve watched it four, five, six times and I’ve always said: This is football. Perfection.”
A Tactical Masterclass
The performance in Cardiff is often heralded as one of the finest displays of team football during Zidane’s tenure. It showcased a perfect blend of pressing, control, and lethal finishing that left even Juventus—widely regarded as one of the best defensive teams globally—unable to cope. Zidane’s tactical acumen shone through as his squad executed a game plan that highlighted their attacking prowess while maintaining defensive solidity.
Zidane’s ability to inspire and manage top-tier talent was also a focal point during the event. When posed with a question about preferring to coach Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modrić, Zidane expressed his deep admiration for both players. “I would coach both. I can’t answer that question because I liked both,” he stated emphatically. He further elaborated on the caliber of players he had the privilege to coach at Real Madrid, mentioning stars like Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema among others. “I had three or four players… you couldn’t see the ball with them on the pitch,” he added, highlighting their remarkable skills.
The Legacy Continues
Zidane’s reflections not only underscore his personal achievements but also serve as a reminder of the extraordinary talent that has graced Real Madrid during his management. His time with players such as Modrić, Kroos, Isco, and Rodrygo has left an indelible mark on the club’s history. As he reminisced about those moments, it became clear that his influence extends beyond tactics and victories; it lies in the bond formed with players who have become legends in their own right.
As fans reminisce about Zidane’s legacy at Real Madrid, questions linger: Will he return to coaching? Could we see him leading another generation of footballers? One thing is certain—Zidane’s impact on football is profound and enduring. “This is football. Perfection,” he declared—a mantra that resonates deeply within the hearts of football lovers everywhere.
Meta_Description: Zinedine Zidane reflects on his greatest moments at Festival Dello Sport, including coaching legends at Real Madrid and winning the 2017 Champions League final.
Focus_Keyword: Zinedine Zidane
Secondary_Keywords: Real Madrid, Champions League final, coaching legends
Suggested_Tags: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, Champions League, football legacy
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