Zinedine Zidane: France Legend Names the One 'Big Club' He Regrets Not Playing For
- Zinedine Zidane openly admitted that if given the chance, he would have loved to play for his hometown club, Olympique de Marseille
- Despite his legendary spells at Juventus and Real Madrid, Zidane always felt a deep connection to Marseille
- While many players dream of finishing their careers at their boyhood clubs, Zidane chose to retire at the pinnacle of the sport
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France legend Zinedine Zidane has named the one major regret of his illustrious career as never representing his hometown club, Olympique de Marseille.
Throughout his playing days, Zidane graced the pitches of France, Italy, and Spain, representing Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid.
However, despite his Marseille roots, he never donned the jersey of Les Olympiens.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Zidane admitted via Sportbible:
“To be here at La Commanderie, to see the facilities... it looks like a big club. There are some really interesting things.”
Born and raised in Marseille, Zidane bypassed his local side early in his career, joining AS Cannes’ academy before moving to Bordeaux in 1992.
A year later, Marseille made history as the first winners of the newly renamed Champions League, but Zidane’s path took him elsewhere.
He eventually moved to Juventus and then Real Madrid, where he cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players ever.
Unlike many players who return to their boyhood clubs before retiring, Zidane chose to bow out at the top, hanging up his boots after the 2006 World Cup final.
He later transitioned to management, achieving tremendous success at Real Madrid.
Now out of work, Zidane has been linked to several top jobs, including the France national team role, which could become vacant after the 2026 World Cup.
While Zidane’s career remains legendary, the omission of Marseille from his journey leaves a lingering “what if.”
Zidane names the player who will surpass everyone
Zidane has singled out Kylian Mbappe as the player destined to "surpass everyone" in the world of football.
Zidane, widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, enjoyed a glittering career with clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Bordeaux, amassing 695 appearances and 125 goals.
Post-retirement, he further cemented his legacy by managing Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
In October 2024, during the launch of a documentary celebrating Mbappe, Zidane expressed his admiration for the 26-year-old star.
“Mbappe is here now. He will make history at the club and I think he'll surpass everyone,” Zidane stated via Sportbible, highlighting the forward's immense potential.
Zidane names player who was robbed of 2010 Ballon d'Or
Zidane previously claimed that Barcelona icon Lionel Messi did not deserve to win the 2010 Ballon d’Or.
The legendary midfielder believed that Andres Iniesta, not Messi, was more deserving of the prestigious award.
Speaking about Iniesta’s omission, Zidane, then Real Madrid manager, shared his admiration for the midfielder:
"It’s difficult because if you love football, seeing a player like him not win is tough. I don’t see him as a Barcelona player; I see him as a footballer.
"He made everyone dream. He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or, especially in the year he won the World Cup. It was clear then that he deserved it."
Zidane makes his pick between Ronaldo and Messi
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Zidane weighed into the growing list of football players proclaiming their best-ever players.
The French legend did not hesitate in settling the GOAT debate as he picked his preference between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Source: YEN.com.gh