Zinedine Zidane got the opportunity to play at some of the biggest and best stadiums in the world of football because of his noteworthy tenure with Real Madrid, Juventus, and the French national team.
The Marseille-born great, who is regarded as one of the most elegant midfielders to have ever graced the beautiful game, won 13 titles in his club career, which included the only Champions League (2001–02) and just under 700 appearances.
Perhaps the best player Les Bleus has ever produced, he became the captain of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning team and scored two goals in the final against Brazil. He also became his country’s seventh-most-capped player ever with 108 games.
Zidane, who is regarded as one of the best players in Serie A history, decided to pursue a career in management after retiring. He took charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being elevated to the senior squad.
The unemployed manager recently had a conversation with Los Blancos about everything related to clothing, his favourite goal, and which of the numerous stadiums he has named is particularly dear to him.
Anfield was loved by Zidane.
The iconic stadium in Liverpool
In September 2024, Zidane responded simply to Real Madrid’s YouTube account by mentioning Liverpool’s renowned Anfield stadium: “Liverpool.”
It’s interesting to note that the former engine room operator never played for any club on the red side of Merseyside, including Real Madrid, Juventus, or Bordeaux.
However, he did play there when France played the Netherlands in the quarterfinals of Euro 1996. The midfielder, known by his nickname “Zizou,” scored his country’s first penalty as they won the shootout 5–4.
On the opposite side of the white line, Zidane led Real Madrid to a 0-0 tie in the 2020–21 Champions League quarterfinal at Anfield, which is considered to be one of the most exciting stadiums in the history of football.
Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, also made an impression on him.
The 108-cap France international also mentioned Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, and recalled playing some “impressive matches” in Greater Manchester.
“I recall Manchester United as well. We defeated them in a few thrilling games [at Old Trafford].
As a professional football player, now in his 50s, the Cannes academy graduate made four trips to The Theatre of Dreams (winning once with Juventus in November 1996, losing twice, and drawing once).
The talismanic Frenchman selected the Santiago Bernabeu, a spotless stadium where he performed nearly every two weeks from 2001 to 2006, as his biggest favourite. He also mentioned Marseille’s Stade Velodrome, saying:
“The [Santiago] Bernabeu is absolutely fantastic.” The Bernabeu is the best, in my opinion. The stadium, the people, the history of the team [Real Madrid], everything is the best.
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