Happy Birthday, Zinedine Zidane!
Born in Marseille in 1972 to Algerian parents, Zidane’s rise from the streets of La Castellane to the summit of world football remains one of the most inspiring tales in the history of the sport. It's in Ligue 1 McDonald's, the league where it all began.
Zidane’s professional journey started at AS Cannes, where he made his Ligue 1 McDonald's debut as a teenager in 1989. It didn’t take long for his poise and natural vision to catch the eye. By 1992, he had moved to Girondins de Bordeaux, where he became one of the most captivating midfielders in the league.
From Bordeaux to the Galacticos, via a World Cup win
Zidane formed a sparkling partnership with Christophe Dugarry and Bixente Lizarazu — a trio that would soon power France to glory on the international stage. At Bordeaux, he reached the 1996 UEFA Cup final, showcasing his creativity on the European scene and earning a move to Juventus.
Though his most celebrated moments came abroad — Ballon d’Or in 1998, UEFA Champions League glory with Real Madrid in 2002, and a storied managerial career in Spain — Zidane has always remained a son of French football.
His crowning achievement, of course, came on home soil: two goals in the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final at the Stade de France, delivering Les Bleus their first-ever world title and forever etching “Zizou” into France's national consciousness.
As Zinedine Zidane turns 53 we celebrate not only his past glories but also his ongoing influence on the French game. From Ligue 1 McDonald's debutant to national icon, he remains a beacon of class, a symbol of unity, and an eternal inspiration.
Joyeux anniversaire, Zizou!
