Zidane still has a special place in French hearts | OneFootball

Zinédine Zidane remains for many in France a symbol of hope, dreams and unity as he is set to take charge of the national team on Tuesday. Reader testimonies illustrate why he still occupies a singular place nearly 30 years after 1998.

According to Le Progres, responses from EBRA group readers ranged from reverence to scepticism, with few athletes provoking such emotion decades later.

Lopez, 32, from Albertville, cast him in almost godlike terms. For Mary, 64, in Nancy, he personifies the first World Cup star and a united France.

Yet the 2006 World Cup final intrudes. Dominique, 70, in Nancy, felt the headbutt on Marco Materazzi spoiled the tournament and should rule him out as France coach, while Jean-Pierre, 71, and Jacques, 76, voiced similar misgivings.

Others emphasised character. Martine, 70, described him as discreet, dignified and honourable. Michel, 60, from Meylan, viewed him as a unifying leader in the mould of Didier Deschamps.

Attention now turns to coaching. Alain, 74, from Les Deux Alpes, hopes for fresh impetus and a more attacking, inspiring style, while thanking Deschamps for his record. Albert, 85, argued he should have replaced Deschamps long ago, though Joël, 74, prefers to wait and see.

Michel, 64, in Dijon, cautioned that club success, even three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, does not guarantee results with a national side. Almost 20 years after his international farewell, Zidane still commands a rare place in French hearts.

Source: Le Progres