From humiliation to redemption, from doubt to eternal glory - this is the story of how Zinedine Zidane rose from the shadows to lead France to their greatest triumph. At the 1998 World Cup, the shy playmaker from Marseille became the face of a new nation, turning pain into pride and silence into legend. This is ICONS - a GOAL podcast and feature series that revisits the last 10 World Cups from unique perspectives, bringing the spirit of the tournament back to life...
Manchester United are being backed to finally sign boyhood Red Devils fan Cole Palmer if they can lure the Chelsea starâs former manager, Mauricio Pochettino, back to England. A new permanent boss is required at Old Trafford following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Various names have been added to that pot, including an Argentine tactician that is currently working with the USMNT.
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has offered some insight into his success with Los Blancos. The Frenchman won the Champions League three times during his time in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu as well as claiming two La Liga titles. Madrid are currently in the midst of a difficult season after sacking Xabi Alonso midway through his first campaign as boss and replacing him with Alvaro Arbeloa.
This is Legacy, GOALâs podcast and feature series tracking the countdown to the 2026 World Cup. Each week, we explore the stories and the spirit behind the nations that define the worldâs game. Today we look back at France '98; from the heartbreaks of Seville and Bulgaria to the night Zinedine Zidane lifted the trophy in Paris, this is the story of how France broke its curse and forged a winning identity that still defines Les Bleus today.
Zinedine Zidane's son Luca was involved in a brawl at full-time after his Algeria side were defeated in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday. The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper clashed with Nigeria ace Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following a 2-0 victory for the Super Eagles, who will meet hosts Morocco in the last four. But the incident after the full-time whistle saw a sour end to proceedings as Zidane's side were eliminated.
The jig is up for Ruben Amorim. After 14 unforgettable months as head coach, he has been sacked by Manchester United. He broke many records for the wrong reasons, lost a European final to Tottenham and was dumped out of the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier side Grimsby Town. Yet it is only now that those upstairs at Old Trafford have decided to pull the trigger.
Chelseaâs stance on appointing a big-name successor to Enzo Maresca, such as Jurgen Klopp or Zinedine Zidane, has been revealed. The Blues find themselves back in the market for a new boss after making another change in the dugout at the start of 2026. Rather than move for a proven winner, the Premier League heavyweights are expected to stick with their approach of bringing in a more youthful coach who could build towards a brighter future.
Kylian Mbappe has been told, during GOALâs exclusive interview with Frank Leboeuf, why he âcannot compareâ to Zinedine Zidane in any discussion regarding the GOAT of French football. Even a second World Cup win, while becoming Les Bleusâ all-time leading scorer, may not be enough to lift the current Real Madrid superstar above the Blancos âiconâ of the past.
Everything was looking rosy for Xabi Alonso after a thumping 4-0 home win over Valencia on November 1, which was Real Madrid's 13th victory out of 14 games across all competitions in the first few months of the season. Los Blancos were top of La Liga by five points ahead of Clasico rivals Barcelona, who they beat 2-1 at the Bernabeu seven days earlier, and they'd racked up nine points out of a possible nine in the Champions League, with Juventus among their victims.
Jurgen Klopp has reportedly emerged as a potential successor to Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid after the clubâs disastrous 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo. The German, who stepped away from frontline management after leaving Liverpool and now works as Red Bullâs global head of football, is reportedly one of two names under consideration to replace Alonso as Real Madrid weigh their options in what has rapidly become a full-blown crisis.
Zinedine Zidaneâs long-awaited comeback to management is finally taking shape with France preparing to appoint the former Real Madrid boss as their next head coach after Didier Deschamps steps down following the 2026 World Cup. The move is poised to end months of speculation and ignite fresh excitement around Les Bleus, who have recently faced criticism for lacking innovation.
Zinedine Zidane has sparked renewed excitement about his managerial comeback after stating that his return will happen âvery soon.â The former Real Madrid coach has been out since 2021, but with Didier Deschamps set to leave the France job after the 2026 World Cup, speculation has intensified. Zidaneâs comments at recent events suggest the wait may finally be nearing its end.
Jude Bellingham inherited the No.5 shirt when joining Real Madrid and continues to look every inch the natural successor to Zinedine Zidane in that iconic jersey. World Cup-winning Frenchman Zidane once starred as a âGalacticoâ for Los Blancos, and Bellingham is doing likewise. The England international delivered a couple of outrageous tricks during Realâs goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano.
Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer has, during an exclusive chat with GOAL, been charged with the task of picking his favourite FIFPRO legend from a selection of global icons. The England international has made that XI himself in 2025, but he has also been casting an eye over historic selections. Ronaldinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Andres Iniesta and Steven Gerrard are among the superstars to have been pitched against one another.
Once the home of Zinedine Zidane and one of Franceâs great football dynasties, Bordeaux now finds itself in the wilderness of the fourth tier. Yet beneath the ruins lies a sleeping giant waiting for revival.
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