Zinedine Zidane reflects on World Cup Final headbutt ahead of Italy match

Zinedine Zidane, now France’s head coach, reflected on his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final, ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League match against Italy on Friday. Zidane said the footage still resurfaces—“images always remind me of it”—but added he does not frame his action as regrets, calling it “part of my career.” He noted he has never spoken with Materazzi in the 20 years since the incident, and admitted he once feared it could become his lasting legacy before later returning to coach France. France are off to a strong start, beating Belgium and Türkiye 1-0 with goals from Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappé. Italy come after a 2-0 loss to Belgium and a 4-1 win over Türkiye.