Marco Materazzi Opens Up on 2006 World Cup Final Incident With Zidane

• French legend Zinedine Zidane was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final versus Italy
• He headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi after the two had exchanged words
• Materazzi has opened up on the infamous incident to reveal exactly what was said

Zinedine Zidane retired from professional football after the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, which France lost to Italy on penalties 5-3.

Zidane, who opened the scoring for France in the seventh minute, was sent off in the 110th minute after headbutting Italian defender and fellow goal-scorer, Marco Materazzi.

The Real Madrid legend watched helplessly as France lost on penalties and later retired, going through with his earlier announcement despite calls to renege on his decision.

Speaking on the incident in 2010, the former Real Madrid head coach said he would rather die than apologise to Materazzi, as reported by Independent.

Sadia Mouth: Spotlight on Achraf Hakimi’s Mother After Moroccan's Exploits in Qatar

Football

Materazzi explains the 'Zidane incident'

The former Inter Milan defender has since opened up on what transpired between the two, prior to receiving a vicious headbutt from the Frenchman.

“Trash talking, my trash talking was nothing. He offered me his jersey, and I said no, I prefer his sister,” he said on IFTV Podcast, apparently still amused by the incident.

Rumours in the football world had earlier claimed Materazzi, who stayed on after the assault and scored in the shootout, had insulted Zidane's mother.

Materazzi swore at Mourinho

The defender played under Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and revealed he had a special relationship with the Special One, saying he was sad to see him go.

As revealed by Football Italia, he swore at the Portuguese manager when he left for Real Madrid, claiming he was angry the Special One left him with Rafa Benitez.

“Mourinho was special. He knew the names of all our children and our wives. Nobody else had ever done that for me. For me it was not a big surprise, but for my wife, when he met her and said 'hello, Daniela'," he said.

Manchester City defender Nathan Ake shows off piano skills

Football

Zidane picks Ronaldo over Messi

Sports Brief has also reported on Zidane choosing Ronaldo over Messi while weighing in on the GOAT debate.

The France legend, who managed Cristiano at Real Madrid, branded the Portuguese veteran as 'phenomenal'.

Zidane won the 1998 World Cup and Messi claimed the trophy in 2022, with Ronaldo the only one not to win it.