Zinedine Zidane graced the Festival Dello Sport, a prestigious event organized by La Gazzetta dello Sport, celebrating athletic excellence across generations. The former Real Madrid legend and coach embodies this theme, having left an indelible mark both as a player and a manager. Zidane’s tenure at Real Madrid is particularly notable for his unprecedented achievement of winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, a feat that solidified his status in football history.
During the event, when asked to reflect on his career’s pinnacle moments beyond his World Cup victory with France in 1998, Zidane quickly highlighted the 2017 Champions League final in Cardiff. In that 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,” he stated emphatically. “The way we played that second half was truly spectacular. I’ve watched it four, five, six times and I’ve always said: This is football. Perfection.”
Historic Performance Against Juventus
Zidane’s reflection on the 2017 final underscores its significance not just for him personally but for the club and its supporters. The performance was hailed as one of the finest team displays during his coaching era—a masterclass in pressing, control, and clinical finishing that left even Juventus, known for their formidable defensive prowess, utterly outmatched. Zidane’s Madrid team was often regarded as one of the greatest ever assembled, showcasing a blend of tactical brilliance and individual talent.
Coaching Legends: A Dream Come True
As he reminisced about his time managing some of football’s brightest stars, Zidane expressed deep admiration for all his players. When posed with a choice between coaching Cristiano Ronaldo or Luka Modrić, he replied with warmth and enthusiasm: “I would coach both. I can’t answer that question because I liked both.” He continued to praise other key figures like Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema, highlighting how incredible it was to coach such talent. “I had three or four players… You couldn’t see the ball with them on the pitch. Modric, Kroos, Isco, Benzema, Rodrygo… they never lost the ball. Incredible,” he remarked.
The legacy Zidane has built at Real Madrid is not just about trophies but also about nurturing talent and fostering an environment where players can thrive. His insights into coaching legends reveal not only his tactical acumen but also his genuine love for the game and respect for those who play it.
As Zidane continues to inspire future generations of players and coaches alike, one question remains: Can he replicate this success again in another managerial role? With his rich history at Real Madrid as a backdrop, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely.
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