Zinedine Zidane Rolls Back Years with Impressive Display in Real Madrid Return

Zinedine Zidane Rolls Back Years with Impressive Display in Real Madrid Return

Rene Otinga
updated at March 24, 2024 at 10:23 AM
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  • Zinedine Zidane featured in a legends' match at the Santiago Bernabeu
  • The Real Madrid legend entertained fans with his elegant football aged 51
  • The charity match involved Real Madrid legends battling FC Porto legends

Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane proved that class is permanent with a classy display during a charity match on Saturday, March 23.

The 51-year-old made a return to the Santiago Bernabeu, featuring in a legends match between Real Madrid and FC Porto.

Zinedine Zidane featured in a legends match for Real Madrid on Saturday.
Zidane rolled back the years with a silky display against FC Porto legends on Saturday. Photo: Getty.
Source: Getty Images

Los Blancos’ team was full of big names from the past, including Roberto Carlos, Steve McManaman and Luis Figo.

In a game that typically had slow tempo due to the age of its participants, Zidane exhibited elegance on the ball, reminiscent of when he was in his prime in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Videos of the Frenchman’s highlights show he still has close ball control which made him one of the most formidable midfielders during his time.

Despite being 51, Zidane also thrilled fans at the Bernabeu with some tricks and delightful passes to teammates.

How the game went

Despite Real Madrid being jacked with legendary names, it was Porto who came out on top thanks to a solitary goal by Marek Cech after eight minutes.

One extraordinary bit during the game came from Iker Casillas, who managed to play for both teams.

The former Real Madrid shot stopper started at the Los Blancos goal in the first half, but came in the second half as a substitute for FC Porto.

After leaving the Spanish capital in 2015, Casillas spent five memorable years with the Portuguese club before retiring.

Zidane’s career

Just like Casillas, Zidane’s best years were at Real Madrid.

He made 230 appearances for the Spanish giants, netting 43 goals and winning the Champions League in supreme fashion in 2002, per Transfermarkt.

Zidane is one of an elite group of players to have won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup.

As a manager, he enjoyed success at Real Madrid across two stints, winning three Champions League titles and two La Ligas before leaving the club in 2021.

Luis Diaz embarrasses defender

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on how Luis Diaz embarrassed a defender with a sublime piece of skill before providing an assist.

It all took place on Friday, March 22 during Colombia’s friendly against Spain.

After a goalless first half, the South American nation broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, with their goal coming from Diaz’s good work down the left flank.

Authors
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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.