Real Madrid's Zidane dynasty comes to an end! Son of legendary midfielder Zinedine quits Spanish giants after 14 years without ever making a senior appearance

The Zidane surname is synonymous with Real Madrid's golden era, courtesy of Zinedine's illustrious career, first as a player and then as a coach. He joined the Spanish giants from Juventus in 2001 for a record-breaking fee and went on to win the Champions League in 2002. His success story continued as a manager as he guided the team to an unprecedented "threepeat" of Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018 and two La Liga championships in two separate stints.

Unfortunately, none of Zinedine's four sons could replicate his success at the Santiago Bernabeu. Theo, the youngest of the lot, ended his stint at Valdebebas and has signed with Cordoba to seek a fresh challenge in senior football after he failed to make it to Carlo Ancelotti's first-team squad from Castilla. He joined Real Madrid's youth academy, La Fabrica, 14 years ago as a promising young talent and over the past three years, from 2021 to 2024, he played 93 matches for the reserve team, scoring three goals.

In an emotional farewell video posted on his Instagram account, Theo expressed his gratitude and affection for Real Madrid. "Today it's time to say goodbye to the club of my life, Real Madrid," he wrote.

"I joined as a young boy 14 years ago and today I can say that I am leaving as a man. This has been my home, my school, my family. I have grown as a footballer and as a person, and I will always carry with me the values that this club has transmitted to me. I want to thank every coach, all the workers at the club, and every one of the teammates I've had - some of whom have become friends.

"Every moment shared, every teaching, and every learning received has been special to me. Now this stage is coming to an end and new doors are opening along the way. I only have words of gratitude. Wherever I go, I will always carry a piece of this shield in my heart. Hala Madrid!"

Theo's move to Cordoba is seen as a significant step in his career, offering him a fresh start and the opportunity to establish himself away from the shadow of his father's legendary status. He has signed a two-year contract with the club and will play in the Spanish second division in the next season.