Zinedine Zidane, romantic with his wife Véronique: he reveals this slightly old-fashioned gesture that he continues to do for her
For more than 30 years, Zinedine Zidane has been living the most beautiful love story with his wife, Véronique. For Madame Figaro, the football legend says more about the husband he is and this very romantic attention that he continues to have for the mother of his 4 boys.
It’s a love story like we don’t make anymore. It was at the ages of 17 and 18, when they were both at the Cannes young workers’ home, that Zinedine Zidane and his future wife, who is still called Véronique Fernandez, met for the first time. Since then, the two lovebirds have never left each other and together, they founded a solid and united family with their four boys, Enzo, Luca, Théo and Elyaz, with whom they are very close. Successful coach of Real Madrid, the one who owns a luxurious house in Madrid of more than 1000m2, has been away from the world of football for more than 3 years now.
As he prepares to release a five-piece capsule collection with the Montblanc brand, the football legend agreed to give an interview to Madame Figaro, in which he talks about his life away from the pitch. “I was a player, I was a coach, and I’ve always been a jack of all trades. But today, I want other things. I also enjoy my life. I take care of my children, my grandchildren too, since I recently became a grandpa. My life is full, and that’s the most important thing for me”, explains the great friend of Bixente Lizarazu and Christophe Dugarry, who loves to get together with his family: “Family reunions continue, often in Marseille, with mom, dad, brothers and sisters… But it’s more ‘Marseille discret’, that is to say at home.”
Little handwritten notes for Véronique
Although he still hasn’t found a club or a national team, Zinedine Zidane, who became the new Alpine ambassador last year, seems very happy and clearly knows how to keep the flame alive with his wife. When our colleagues ask him the last thing he wrote by hand, the former number 10 of the Blues makes a rather cute confession. “I like writing little notes to my wife. It’s almost original today because with the telephone, we don’t tend to write anymore. However, a note written by hand always has an effect and a pleasure. I admit, my handwriting is not the most beautiful, nor the most fantastic, but it doesn’t matter. The important thing is the gesture and what you put into it”, he confides.
A nice attention from the one who has a very special history with Rafael Nadal and who has no trouble admitting it, he is a great romantic. “Yes, but with my wife!”, he specifies.
Which team does Zidane coach now?
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French footballer turned manager, is one of the most celebrated figures in modern football. Known for his extraordinary playing career and his successful coaching tenure at Real Madrid, Zidane’s current managerial status has been a topic of interest for fans and the media.
Zidane’s Coaching Hiatus
As of 2025, Zinedine Zidane is not currently managing any football team. Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, he has taken a self-imposed hiatus from coaching, choosing to wait for the right opportunity rather than rushing into a new role. During this period, he has focused on personal projects, family, and maintaining his fitness and knowledge of the game.
Despite receiving offers from top clubs around the world, including highly lucrative contracts, Zidane has declined them. He has emphasized that he is waiting for a position that aligns with his long-term ambitions, rather than taking just any job.
Ambition: Coaching the French National Team
Zidane’s primary coaching goal is to become the head coach of the French national team. Didier Deschamps, the current manager, is expected to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, creating an opportunity for Zidane to fulfill this ambition.
Zidane has openly described the role as a “dream” position, expressing excitement and readiness to take on the challenge when the timing is right. He considers coaching France not just a professional opportunity, but also a personal aspiration tied to his national pride and legacy in French football.
Declining Other Opportunities
Even though Zidane has been approached by several clubs worldwide, including teams from Europe and the Middle East, he has consistently declined offers. He is selective, prioritizing his long-term vision over short-term financial incentives.
This approach has reinforced his reputation as a manager who values purpose and challenge over immediate rewards. Many experts believe that this careful consideration demonstrates his commitment to excellence and the legacy he wants to leave in football management.
As of 2025, Zinedine Zidane does not coach any team. He remains on a hiatus, waiting for the right opportunity, which he hopes will be the head coaching role for the French national team after Didier Deschamps steps down.
Zidane’s career—both as a player and a manager—has always been marked by patience, strategy, and ambition. His current pause from club football reflects his commitment to taking on a role that matches his vision and stature in the sport.
Can Zinedine Zidane Speak Arabic?
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French footballer and successful manager, is renowned for his exceptional talent on the field and his calm, strategic approach on the sidelines. Beyond his football career, fans and media have often speculated about his linguistic abilities, particularly whether he can speak Arabic, due to his Algerian heritage.
Zidane’s Background and Heritage
Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France, to Algerian parents who immigrated from the Kabylie region of Algeria. His father, Smaïl Zidane, and mother, Malika Zidane, raised him in a predominantly Algerian community in Marseille, where many families spoke Berber dialects and Arabic alongside French.
Growing up in this multicultural environment, Zidane was exposed to French, Berber, and Arabic languages. French was the primary language in school and in public life, while Arabic and Berber were used at home and within the local community.
Zidane and the Arabic Language
Zidane is reported to have a basic understanding of Arabic, largely due to his upbringing and family background. While he primarily speaks French and is fluent in Spanish and Italian—languages he picked up during his playing and managerial career in La Liga and Serie A—his Arabic proficiency is not considered advanced.
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Comprehension: Zidane can understand some Arabic phrases, especially those commonly used in conversation within Algerian communities.
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Speaking: He occasionally uses simple Arabic words in interviews or public appearances, often as a sign of respect toward his heritage and fans of North African descent.
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Cultural Connection: Even if he is not fully fluent, Zidane identifies strongly with his Algerian roots, and Arabic is part of his cultural identity.
Public Appearances and Media Insights
In interviews and public events, Zidane has sometimes greeted fans in Arabic or referenced Algerian culture, which highlights his connection to his heritage. However, in professional settings—especially during his coaching career—he has always conducted interviews and communications in French, Spanish, or English, the languages he is most comfortable with.
His ability to speak multiple languages fluently, combined with his basic Arabic knowledge, has helped him navigate multicultural environments, particularly when managing international teams or interacting with fans from Algeria and other Arab-speaking countries.
While Zinedine Zidane is not fluent in Arabic, he has a basic understanding of the language due to his Algerian heritage and upbringing in a multicultural community in Marseille. His primary languages remain French, Spanish, and Italian, which he uses in professional and public life.
Zidane’s connection to Arabic is more cultural than linguistic, reflecting his pride in his roots and his respect for the North African community that has followed his illustrious career.
What is Zidane most famous for?
Zinedine Zidane, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has left an indelible mark on the sport. His fame spans both his illustrious playing career and his successful tenure as a manager, making him a global icon in football.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Zidane was born on June 23, 1972, in Marseille, France, to Algerian immigrant parents. He began his professional football career with AS Cannes before moving to Bordeaux, where his exceptional skill, vision, and creativity began attracting international attention.
Zidane’s rise to prominence is often attributed to his extraordinary technical abilities, including:
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Impeccable ball control
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Exceptional vision and passing accuracy
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Elegant dribbling skills
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Composure under pressure
These qualities allowed him to dictate the tempo of games and create scoring opportunities, setting him apart from his peers.
Legendary Moments as a Player
Zidane is most famous for several career-defining moments that cemented his legacy:
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1998 FIFA World Cup Victory with France
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Zidane played a pivotal role in leading France to its first-ever World Cup victory.
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He scored two crucial goals in the final against Brazil, earning global recognition for his skill and composure.
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UEFA Euro 2000 Triumph
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Zidane helped France win the European Championship, further solidifying his status as a national hero.
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2002 UEFA Champions League Final
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Playing for Real Madrid, Zidane scored one of the most iconic goals in football history: a stunning left-footed volley against Bayer Leverkusen.
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This goal is often celebrated as a perfect example of technique and timing.
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2006 FIFA World Cup Final
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Although Zidane was sent off in his final professional match after a headbutt on Marco Materazzi, his career remained legendary for his overall contributions to football.
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Achievements and Awards
Zidane’s career is decorated with numerous individual accolades, including:
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FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003)
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Ballon d’Or (1998)
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UEFA Champions League Winner with Real Madrid (2002)
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FIFA World Cup Winner (1998)
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UEFA European Championship Winner (2000)
These awards recognize his technical brilliance, leadership, and impact on the game.
Zidane as a Manager
After retiring as a player, Zidane transitioned to coaching and became famous for his managerial achievements:
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Real Madrid (2016–2018, 2019–2021): Led the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, a feat unprecedented in the modern era.
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Known for his calm demeanor, strategic intelligence, and ability to manage star-studded teams effectively.
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Cemented his reputation as one of football’s most successful and respected managers.
Global Impact and Legacy
Beyond trophies and accolades, Zidane is famous for:
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Elegance and style on the pitch: His playing style is often described as “poetry in motion.”
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Leadership and sportsmanship: Known for inspiring teammates and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
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Cultural influence: Zidane is a symbol of success for French-Algerian communities and is admired worldwide for his humility and dedication.
Zinedine Zidane is most famous for being a football legend—a player whose skill, vision, and elegance captivated millions and a manager whose strategic genius brought unparalleled success to Real Madrid. From his iconic goals and World Cup triumphs to his historic Champions League victories as a coach, Zidane’s impact on football is enduring and global.
How Many Ballon d’Or Awards Did Zinedine Zidane Win?
Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French footballer, is celebrated worldwide for his extraordinary skill, vision, and influence on the game. Among the many accolades he earned during his career, the Ballon d’Or stands out as one of the most prestigious individual awards in football.
What Is the Ballon d’Or?
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football magazine, recognizes the world’s best male footballer based on performance over the previous calendar year. It is one of the most coveted awards in professional football, symbolizing excellence, consistency, and global recognition.
Zidane’s Ballon d’Or Achievement
Zinedine Zidane won the Ballon d’Or once, in 1998.
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Year: 1998
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Club at the Time: Juventus (Italy)
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Significant Achievement: Leading France to its first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.
Why 1998 Was Special
The year 1998 was pivotal in Zidane’s career and in football history:
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World Cup Glory: Zidane’s performance in the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France was exceptional. He scored two crucial goals in the final against Brazil, helping France secure a historic 3-0 victory. His composure, vision, and technical skill on the biggest stage cemented his status as the best player in the world that year.
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Consistent Club Performance: In addition to his World Cup success, Zidane had a remarkable season with Juventus, where he demonstrated extraordinary creativity and playmaking ability in Serie A and European competitions.
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Recognition by Peers and Experts: The Ballon d’Or panel recognized Zidane’s unique combination of elegance, intelligence, and effectiveness on the field, making him the unanimous choice for 1998.
Other Ballon d’Or Considerations
While Zidane only won the Ballon d’Or once, he was a finalist several other times:
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2000: Finished 2nd
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2001: Finished 2nd
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2003: Finished 2nd
These repeated high rankings highlight Zidane’s consistency at the top level and his long-lasting influence on football.
Legacy of Zidane’s Ballon d’Or
Winning the Ballon d’Or solidified Zidane’s reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time. The award recognized not only his technical brilliance but also his ability to perform in crucial moments, including international tournaments and elite club competitions.
Zidane’s Ballon d’Or is often remembered for his iconic 1998 World Cup performance, which remains one of the defining moments of modern football. His elegance on the pitch, combined with his leadership and vision, set a benchmark for future generations of players.
Zinedine Zidane won the Ballon d’Or once, in 1998, following a year of historic achievements, particularly leading France to World Cup victory. Although he only received the award once, he consistently ranked among the top players in the world for several years, solidifying his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
The 1998 Ballon d’Or remains a symbol of Zidane’s excellence, his influence on the game, and his unforgettable contributions to French and world football.
