When analysing historical data, accolades and influences, both Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo have established themselves as superstars in Real Madrid's history, but they have contributed in different areas.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane:
Players
Zinedine Zidane joined Real Madrid in 2001 and became an integral part of the Galacticos era. His most memorable moment was a brilliant winning volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final.
Player Honors
As a player, he has brought success, including La Liga titles and Champions League titles.
Zinedine Zidane
instructor
Zidane's impact as a coach is perhaps even more profound. He led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018), a unique achievement in the modern history of the competition.
Coaching honors
In addition to the Champions League trophy, he has also won La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Influence
Zidane's influence extends beyond trophies. He has always been a symbol of grace and character, and has greatly shaped the club's philosophy and style of play during his time in charge.
Zinedine Zidane
Cristiano Ronaldo
Players
Cristiano Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018 marked personal and club glory. He is the club's all-time top scorer, scoring an astonishing record of over 450 goals.
Player Honors
Cristiano Ronaldo has helped the club win multiple La Liga titles, the Copa del Rey trophy and has played a key role in four Champions League victories during his time with the club, including three in a row under Zinedine Zidane.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Influence
Cristiano Ronaldo's impact is more than just goals. He is the spiritual symbol of the team, often leading the team through difficult games with decisive goals and performances. His global brand also brings significant commercial benefits to the club.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Comparing these two, it is difficult to say definitively who occupies a higher position in Real Madrid's history, as they have contributed immensely in different ways. Zidane's combined influence as a player and coach, especially his three consecutive titles as a coach, has made him an extraordinary figure in the club's history. Cristiano Ronaldo's scoring record and his role in the club's recent golden era are equally impressive.
Ultimately, Zidane's dual contribution and the symbolic value he holds at the club could be seen as a figure more rooted in Real Madrid's history. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's statistically dominant dominance and the era he defined as a leading figure at the club have left an equally indelible mark. The question probably comes down to personal preference, and what aspects of their heritage fans and historians value the most.