Ammon News - France appointed Zinedine Zidane as head coach on a four-year contract on Tuesday. Following are facts about Zidane's life and career as a player and manager.


EARLY LIFE
Born June 23, ​1972 in Marseille, France.
Began his playing career with AS Cannes and made his ‌professional debut in 1989.


PLAYING CAREER
Moved to Girondins Bordeaux in 1992 and scored 28 goals in 139 league appearances over four seasons.
Moved to Juventus in 1996. Helped the club win two Serie A titles in his ​first two seasons.
Became the world's most expensive player in 2001 when he moved from ​Juventus to Real Madrid for 77.5 million euros .
Helped Real Madrid win the ⁠Champions League in 2002 with a brilliant goal in the 2-1 final victory over Bayer ​Leverkusen.
Won LaLiga with Real in 2003.


INTERNATIONAL CAREER
Made France debut in 2-2 draw against the Czech ​Republic in 1994. Scored two goals in 17 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.
During the 1998 World Cup, was sent off after 70 minutes of France's 4-0 first-round victory over Saudi Arabia and missed ​the next two matches. Headed two first-half goals to help France win their first World ​Cup with a 3-0 victory over Brazil.
Named player of the tournament as he helped France to victory ‌in Euro ⁠2000.
Retired from international soccer in 2004 but a year later announced his comeback. Helped France reach the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.
Zidane was sent off during extra time in the final for head butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. Italy won the title ​in a penalty shootout.


MANAGERIAL ​CAREER
In 2013, Zidane ⁠was appointed assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Zidane replaced sacked Real manager Rafa Benitez in 2016.
Became the first manager to win ​three Champions League titles in a row.
Zidane guided the club to a ​LaLiga title ⁠in the 2016-17 season and two FIFA Club World Cup crowns.
Left Real five days after winning the 2018 Champions League, saying the club required a new voice and approach.
Returned as Real manager ⁠in 2019 ​and led them to another LaLiga title the following ​year.
Left Real in May 2021, citing lack of support from the club administration.
Was appointed as France manager in July ​2026, replacing Didier Deschamps.


Reuters