Zinedine Zidane was known for his rare skill and elegant control of the ball. But in the World Cup final, he lost control of his temper. His final image as a player will be him lowering his head and launching his bald crown into the chest of Italy defender Marco Materazzi after an exchange of words during extra time.
The match was tied 1-1 when Zidane received a red card in the 110th minute. Without their captain, France could not break through Italy’s defense. They lost the shootout 5-3.
France coach Raymond Domenech said Zidane’s sending off changed everything. He said Italy was waiting for penalties even in extra time. He said he did not know what Materazzi said to Zidane but regretted the incident.
The head-butt was clearly intentional. Referee Horacio Elizondo showed Zidane the 28th red card of the tournament, a World Cup record. Domenech said he had not seen the replays but it was a shame.
Zidane walked past his coach with his head bowed. As he exited through the tunnel, he strode past the World Cup trophy and disappeared.
Zidane had led France to the 1998 World Cup title. He had announced he would retire after this tournament. Earlier in the final, he gave France a 1-0 lead with a penalty kick in the seventh minute. It was his 31st goal for France and his third in a World Cup final.
He was treated for a shoulder injury in the 80th minute but returned to play. Minutes before his red card, Thierry Henry was substituted. He had collided with an opponent earlier in the match.
His temper had been an issue before. Five years earlier, he had butted a Hamburger SV player in a Champions League match. Eight years before that, he was red-carded for stomping on an opponent at the World Cup. He also received two yellow cards at this tournament and was suspended for one match.
Reports before the tournament suggested Zidane had lost his edge. Those reports were proven wrong. But reports of his hot temper cannot be denied now.
Zidane Refuses to Apologize to Materazzi Over 2006 World Cup Headbutt
Zinedine Zidane said he would rather die than apologize to Marco Materazzi for headbutting him in the 2006 World Cup final. Italy went on to win the match in a penalty shootout. Zidane was sent off and regrets what he did. But he refuses to apologize to Materazzi because of the insults about his mother that provoked him.
He told El País that he reproaches himself for his actions. But he said apologizing would mean admitting that Materazzi’s behavior was normal. He said it was not normal. He admitted that things happen on the pitch and had happened to him many times. But he could not tolerate it that day.
He explained that his mother was ill and in hospital at the time. The people who insulted him did not know that. He said he had been insulted about his mother many times before and never responded. But this time he reacted.
He said he would apologize to someone like Kaká, a good person. But not to Materazzi. He said apologizing would mean lacking respect for himself and those he holds dear. He said he apologized to football, to the fans, and to his team. He told his teammates in the dressing room to forgive him. But he said he could never apologize to Materazzi. He said it would dishonor him. He would rather die.
Materazzi has always denied saying anything about Zidane’s mother.
Materazzi Reveals What He Said Before Zidane’s Infamous Headbutt
Marco Materazzi finally revealed what he said to provoke Zinedine Zidane into headbutting him during the 2006 World Cup final. The incident happened in Zidane’s final game as a professional footballer. He was sent off and France lost the match on penalties.
Materazzi told Italian Football TV how it unfolded. He explained that Zidane offered him his shirt at the end of the game. Materazzi said no and added, “I’d prefer your sister.” He described his comment as trash talk, similar to what happens in the NBA.
Zidane later opened up about the incident in an interview. He said Materazzi provoked him by talking about his sister Lila. He said he was not proud of what he did, but it is part of his career. He clarified that Materazzi did not insult his mother but did insult his sister.
Materazzi had leveled the scores after Zidane’s early penalty. He put in an incredible performance to help Italy win the game on penalties. Zidane was dismissed in the 110th minute with the score locked at 1-1. The two are now older and wiser.
FAQs
Q. Why did Zidane get a red card?
A. Zidane headbutted Italy defender Marco Materazzi during extra time.
Q. Was this Zidane’s final professional match?
A. Yes. The 2006 World Cup final was his final match.
Q. Why did Zidane headbutt Materazzi?
A. Materazzi provoked Zidane with comments about his family.
Q. Did Zidane apologize to Materazzi?
A. No. Zidane refused to apologize to Materazzi.
Q. Which World Cup did Zidane win?
A. Zidane helped France win the 1998 World Cup.
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