Finally... Zidane speaks about the Panenka in the 2006 final against Buffon | OneFootball

Zidane discusses his Panenka in the 2006 final: I wanted to surprise Buffon

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Zinédine Zidane’s famous “Panenka” in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final remains one of the most iconic moments in football history. Nearly twenty years after that legendary move, the former French playmaker has opened up about the story behind his audacious penalty against Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Zidane finally reveals the story behind his legendary Panenka against Buffon

In an interview with the sports daily L'Équipe, marking the magazine’s 80th anniversary, Zinedine Zidane revisited one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history: his iconic Panenka against Gianluigi Buffon in the 2006 final.

“It’s a different move. But I had to do it because ‘Gigi’ Buffon was in front of me. He knows me too well. I know him too,” the former France captain explained.

Tipped as a possible successor to Didier Deschamps at the helm of Les Bleus, Zidane continued: “I had to surprise him, and as soon as I picked up the ball, I knew I was going to do it. When I took penalties, I usually shot from right to left. I’d close my foot.”

The former Real Madrid manager also explained that Buffon’s quick reaction confirmed his choice: “Actually, ‘Gigi’ immediately dives to the right in the final. I said to myself I had to innovate, to invent something new against him. If I missed, it didn’t matter because there was still time left. I love what I did.”Zidane emphasized that his decision was all about instinct: “Generally, I did everything on instinct, with my heart. I didn’t overthink it. That’s why football is so incredible: you have to be spontaneous to create.”

He concluded: “People love that: the madness, the creativity, when something happens. Whether you miss or succeed… it’s not a big deal. The important thing is to create emotions.”