Zidane started his football career at an early age, when he joined the US Saint-Henri club. He moved on to Septemes Sports Olympiques, after the coach convinced the director of the club to sign him. After leaving Septemes at the age of 14, Zidane participated in the first year junior selection for the league championship. His performance there impressed Jean Varraud, Cannes' recruiter. Zidane had played his first game in First Division at the age of 17. The Cannes midfielder scored his first goal on February 8th, 1991 and his first season with the club was marked the qualification of Cannes for the UEFA Cup. After the 1991-92 seasons, Zidane felt it was time for a change and switched to Bordeaux after he was asked to sign a four-year contract. His beginning with Bordeaux was hard as he was still young. But he took the challenge and soon performed well. After the 1995-96 season Juventus sought out Zidane, and after his four crucial seasons with Bordeaux, he moved to Torino. It was with Juventus that Zidane won titles, such as Winner of the 1996 European Super Cup, the 1996 World Club Cup and Winner of the 1997 League Super Cup.

But he rose to fame on July 12, 1998 as he scored two first half goals, as France defeated Brazil 3-0 to win the World Cup Final for the first time. In 2001, Zizou became the most expensive player in football history when Real Madrid acquired him for 46 million pounds (roughly $66 million US Dollars). With Real Madrid he scored a winner in the 45th minute to help Madrid lift the 2002 Champions League Cup final. Bayer 04 Leverkusen lost the match 1-2. His individual awards include the Golden Ball in 1998, and he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 1998 and 2000 and 2003.