Zinedine Zidane Returns to Football: What We Know About His New Project.

Zidane Returns to the Major Football Scene

According to The Sun: Zinedine Zidane has confirmed his return to the world of football after a long break. The legendary French footballer, now 53 years old, has not played since his second resignation from Real Madrid in 2021, when the team went title-less.

Despite numerous rumors about a coaching return, including the rejection of the USA national team, Zidane remained on the sidelines. Recently, he visited New York with Adidas, where he introduced a new football for the 2026 World Cup. According to Fabrizio Romano, who is known for football news, Zidane is preparing for his next big step.

Zidane intends to return to his hometown Marseille and collaborate with Universe Football as part of a 'special family project.'

Although there are no specific details yet, the organization reportedly plans a legends match where Zidane will likely play a central role.

The French icon has already participated in two previous charity events organized by Universe Football, the latest of which took place in March 2024.

Currently, the third edition of this event is being prepared, which promises to gather leading football stars and celebrities for an unforgettable evening.

In previous editions, legendary players from Marseille like Franck Ribéry, Samir Nasri, and Djibril Cissé participated, along with Zidane's sons – Théo, Élaïz, and Luca.

The return to the Velodrome stadium, the iconic stadium of his beloved Marseille, will undoubtedly remind him of emotional childhood memories, although he never played for the club, having grown up as a fan.

Although he began his professional career in Bordeaux, his heart has always remained in Marseille, especially after their historic victory in the Champions League in 1993.

Childhood Memories

Reflecting on his childhood visits to the Velodrome, Zidane told Mamadou Niang for Canal+ Afrique last year:

“From the age of 11 to 14, I visited games there with my friends in the North stand, under the scoreboard.”

“I watched my idols like Enzo Francescoli and Karl-Heinz Förster. I was a fan of Marseille and still am.”

Zidane was a key part of the French team that won the World Cup in 1998 and became an inspiration for an entire generation of young French players who eventually reclaimed the title in 2018.

He last played in 2024 at a charity match – alongside former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger.

Zidane's return to football, even in charity form, could provide a positive boost not only for him but also for the fans who will always remember his contribution to the world of football culture. This project could mark a new phase in his career and a way to unite people through football.