26 Years After, Zidane Reflects On Headbutt Encounter With Materazzi

26 Years After

OpenLife News reports that new France coach Zinedine Zidane has revisited his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi, 20 years after the incident that marked his final game as a player.

Zidane, now 54, was speaking on Thursday ahead of his first home game as France coach against Italy in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France on Friday.

The encounter brings back memories of the 2006 FIFA World Cup final between France and Italy at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany.

France had taken the lead through Zidane’s penalty in the 7th minute before Materazzi equalised for Italy in the 19th minute.

The game dragged into extra-time at 1-1.In the 110th minute, with the score still level, Zidane and Materazzi exchanged words while walking up the pitch.

Materazzi was said to have made a provocative comment about Zidane’s sister. Moments later, Zidane turned back and rammed his head into Materazzi’s chest, flooring the Italian defender in front of the referee’s assistant.

Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo, after consulting his fourth official, showed Zidane a straight red card. It was the last act of Zidane’s professional playing career, as Italy went on to win 5-3 on penalties.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Saint-Denis on October 1, 2026, Zidane said the images will always haunt him but he has no regrets.“The images will always be there to remind me of what happened in 2006, because they are always being shown,” Zidane smiled.

“Fortunately that is not the only thing I did and there were other nicer things, so I try to think more about the positives.”

“I don’t have regrets because it was part of my career. In 2006 I didn’t know I was going to become a coach. I thought that was the end so it was really difficult for me.

“I am not proud of what happened. I have said it over and over again, but it is part of my career — you can’t only do wonderful things.”

Zidane revealed he has not spoken to Materazzi since that night in Berlin.

Zidane was appointed France coach in late July, succeeding Didier Deschamps. His first two games were 1-0 wins away to Turkey and Belgium.

Friday’s clash against Italy will be his first home game at the Stade de France, where close to 80,000 fans are expected. His last appearance at the stadium as a player was in a friendly against Mexico in 2006.“It is going to be really emotional,” he said.