It is recommended to use the voice broadcast function of the APP to listen to historical stories anytime and anywhere
He is a legend in the world of football, not only showing extraordinary skills on the pitch, but also winning the hearts of countless fans with his true temperament. In the 2006 World Cup final, he interpreted the belief of "being your own hero" in a shocking way.
Zinedine Zidane, whose full name is Zinedine Yazd Zidane, was born on June 23, 1972 in Marseille, France, and holds dual French/Algerian citizenship
That year, Zinedine Zidane had already announced that he would retire after the World Cup, and the veteran led a group of players in the French team who had passed their prime, fighting for glory together. They went all the way to the World Cup, beating the mighty teams of Spain and Brazil to reach the final, where they will face Italy for the Hercules Cup.
In the final, the French team and the Italian team drew 1:1, and the game entered a stalemate. However, in the midst of this tense and exciting game, a shocking thing happened. Italian defender Materazzi kept tugging at Zidane's shirt in an attempt to provoke the French at the heart of the country. Zinedine Zidane was able to keep his cool at first, and he even jokingly told Materazzi: "If you want my shirt, we can swap it after the game." However, Materazzi responded: "I like your sister more than the jersey!"
At that moment, Zidane's anger burned brightly, and throughout the match, he endured Materazzi's constant provocation and harassment, and this insult against his family finally made it impossible for him to remain calm anymore. He slammed his head into Materazzi's chest, and at that moment, his anger and resentment were briefly released. However, the referee's red card ruthlessly sent him off, the last game of his career, ended in such an embarrassing way.
The global audience held their breath in that moment, unable to believe what was happening in front of their eyes. Zinedine Zidane, the football legend, left the pitch in such a way during his curtain call. People had imagined that he would lead France to a World Cup trophy and retire with honor, but reality brutally shattered that vision. When Zidane walked past the Hercules Cup with a loss of heart, the hearts of countless fans were broken.
The loss of Zidane's French team was like losing their soul, and they became flustered on the pitch and eventually lost on penalties and finished second. At this moment, millions of people in France stood by the Champs-Élysées and in front of the Eiffel Tower, and they were saddened by the defeat of the French team.
After the game, Zidane publicly apologized to the French public, admitting his mistake honestly, but also saying that he did not regret his actions.
"I apologize publicly and sincerely," he explained. But I don't feel guilty about my actions. Materazzi babbled and insulted my mother and sister, and his words were unacceptable. The first time I heard that, I tried to stay away from him, because I knew I was going to retire, but he didn't stop, the second time, the third time...... I find it hard to accept. ”
Seventeen years later, the controversy and impact of that game still reverberates among fans around the world. People have their own opinions about Zidane's behavior. Some have criticized him for not allowing personal anger to prevail over reason, as a leader who carries the hopes of 50 million people in France and hundreds of millions of fans around the world. However, many more accuse Materazzi of being despicable, indecent, and provoking his opponents without a bottom line.
Years later, Materazzi still feels aggrieved when it comes to defending himself. He believes that it is common to provoke opponents with words on the football field, and he is not the first and by no means the last. He insisted that as an Italian, it was his duty to fight for sixty million Italians, and that provoking his opponent with words was only one of the tactics. But he also admits that he did not expect such a strong reaction from Zidane.
Looking back at Zidane's career, he has always been known for being quiet and low-key. His face was always filled with devotion to football, as if he were on a pilgrimage. As a result, fans around the world generally regard him as a master of football who is both virtuous and gentle. However, it is a fact that cannot be ignored that he has received two red cards and four yellow cards in the World Cup, becoming one of the most decorated players in World Cup history.
Does this mean that Zida is inherently brutal and a villain? The answer is no. On the contrary, it just proves that he is a bloody man. After retiring, Zidane reflected on himself: "Looking back at my career, 12 of the 14 red cards were obtained because they were provoked. I'm not trying to justify or make excuses, but my passion, temper and blood make me always respond. ”
Zidane's football career is like an exciting epic that deeply touches people's deep emotions. He is not only a skilled player, but also a person who dares to face himself and express his emotions.
He made people start to rethink the definition of a hero. It is generally believed that heroes should be otherworldly, always calm and sane. But Zidane showed another possibility for heroes – they can also be flesh and blood, emotional, and righteous.
When his family is insulted, his anger and resistance are not because he can't control his emotions, but because he bravely stands up to defend his family. He exemplifies the belief of "being your own hero" with his actions, even if it comes at a great cost.
Zidane's story also gives a glimpse of the humanity behind football. In the heat of the field, the players not only have to fight for victory, but also have to deal with various provocations with words and actions. However, Zidane was able to stand up for himself and maintain his dignity in such an environment, and what courage and conviction it requires!
What's more, Zidane provoked deep thinking about sportsmanship. In modern society, it is common to see some athletes who will do anything to win, even to the point of harming their opponents. However, Zidane has shown with his actions that sports competitions are not only a contest of winners and losers, but also a contest of personality and quality. His anger and defiance were not directed at the contest itself, but at those who tried to win through underhanded means.
Reading this, maybe you will also start to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Zidane, like me. He is not only a football legend, but also an ordinary person full of humanity. His story inspires people to aim higher, to hold on to their beliefs, and to express their emotions.
History is a never-ending stage, with endless stories unfolded