Football: perfect controls, precise passes and goals… videos of Zinedine Zidane’s master class at the Vélodrome

There were two events this weekend in Marseille. The return of two legends from the Marseille city. That of the “Good Mother” on the heights of the Marseille basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde after a long period of restoration… and that of the prodigy son, of Zinedine Zidane.

The former number 10 of the Blues took part on Sunday evening in “The Universe League” event, organized by his nephew Ryad, which took place at the Vélodrome stadium. An enclosure filled with more than 30,000 fans for the return of Zizou. Although he never wore the colors of OM, Zidane had not played since a charity match in 2007.

He did not miss the reunion with his city, his audience. Welcomed like a rock star, the 1998 World and 2000 European champion delighted the spectators… and his partners during the gala match which closed the day. A meeting which was broadcast on France 4 with the offbeat and loving comments of comedian Redouane Bougheraba.

“He’s a youth idol”

Despite his 53 years, Zizou therefore actively participated in the large victory (10-1) of former OM players under the Phocéa Universe jersey – Ribéry, Rami, Payet… – against the King Capital team. He has lost none of his class and elegance with the ball on his feet. He multiplied the leg passes, the perfect controls of the chest or the feet and the offerings for his partners like for Dimitri Payet for the 7th goal.

The child from Castellane even scored the last goal of the evening with a left shot which deceived Ludovic Giuly, goalkeeper for the occasion, to the delight of the spectators.

“He’s a youth idol, we all dreamed of playing with players like him when we were little,” Kévin Gaimero told the press present before the match. Maybe it’s a dream come true like playing with (David) Beckham or Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), it’s always a favorite. »

Although he refused to answer a question about OM’s results this season, Dimitri Payet did not hide his pleasure as a player with Zizou. “It’s the first time and I think the last so I’m going to try to make the most of it,” said before the match the former international who kept in mind Zidane’s “control behind the leg” against Denmark (in 2001).

A master class concluded with a huge smile for the man who is a huge favorite for the position of coach of the Blues after the departure of Didier Deschamps at the end of the 2026 World Cup.