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SI.com: Ben Lyttleton: Real Madrid still benefiting from Zinedine Zidane's influenceupdated: Mon Apr 25 2011 07:17:00

He has become a familiar sight at Real Madrid¹s press conferences before its Champions League matches: next to the Special One sits the Silent One, a former player whose list of honors rivals that of the coach (it includes a World Cup and European Championship success), and whose presence adds even more stardust to the Real Madrid name.

SI.com: Sid Lowe: Real Madrid's Team of the Decade, 2000-2010updated: Fri Jan 07 2011 18:49:00

Here's one man's choice for Real Madrid's Team of the Decade, 2000-2010:

New Real Madrid role for legend Zidane; Milan lose Inzaghi and Patoupdated: Fri Nov 12 2010 14:47:00

French footballing legend Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as "presidential advisor" to Real Madrid's first team, working alongside head coach Jose Mourinho.

No January signings, say Real, as Rooney rumors build momentumupdated: Tue Oct 19 2010 12:10:00

One of Real Madrid's top officials has distanced the Spanish club from reports that it will launch a big-money January raid on Manchester United's prize asset Wayne Rooney.

SI.com: Sid Lowe: Zidane energizes Qatar's World Cup bidupdated: Sat Sep 25 2010 18:32:00

DOHA, Qatar -- It was like that moment at the end of a courtroom drama when a decisive witness is unexpectedly called, dramatically turning the outcome of the case on its head. Suddenly, the mood changed completely; suddenly, the verdict did not seem quite so clear cut. As a piece of PR it was a masterstroke. As a reflection of the impact a single man can have it was hugely revealing; a case study in convincing. For all the technical, objective criteria, for all the logical thinking, personality can still persuasive. Especially if you chose the right personality.

SI.com: Steve Rushin: The specialized language of sportsupdated: Wed Aug 11 2010 07:12:00

What's the best word in sports? There's vigorous competition for the worst word in sports. When an Olympian wants to podium, I reach for the Imodium. I'm not a fan of batters plating base runners, either. (Plate, as a verb, belongs in restaurants, where you plate meals -- and crumb tables.) Thanks to announcers who can't say "tired," I suffer from fatigue fatigue.

Desailly backs France to bounce backupdated: Fri Jun 25 2010 16:20:00

World Cup winner Marcel Desailly tells CNN that with the new management in place France will come back stronger.

France's soccer empire in ruins?updated: Fri Jun 25 2010 16:20:00

The world watched with awe and derision this past week as the French national soccer team, boasting a roster of star players, imploded on and off the field at the World Cup.

Quake aid stuck at airportupdated: Fri Jan 22 2010 11:02:00

Many relief supplies are reaching Port-au-Prince's airport, but not its people. CNN's Sanjay Gupta reports.

Zidane to headline Haiti charity gameupdated: Fri Jan 22 2010 11:02:00

Soccer stars Zinedine Zidane and Kaka will take part in a charity match to help raise funds for the the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

SI.com: Soccer: Highlights and lowlights of the decadeupdated: Thu Dec 31 2009 16:06:00

PLAYER OF THE DECADE: Zinedine Zidane, France Zizou gets our Player of the Decade nod, barely beating out Ronaldinho, who also won two World Player of the Year awards this decade but didn't have anything approaching Zidane's longevity at the top of the global game. No player since Diego Maradona has provided as much joy to viewers who love the artistry of soccer. Case in point: France's stunning upset of Brazil in the 2006 World Cup quarterfinals, in which Zidane rediscovered his mojo on the game's biggest stage. (Bonus points for scoring the greatest goal of the decade in the 2002 Champions League final against Bayer Leverkusen.)

First XI: Noughties soccer villainsupdated: Thu Dec 31 2009 14:47:00

Brazilian legend Pele once called soccer the "beautiful game" and at its best it showcases the very pinnacle of human endeavor as nations and communities are united in the common goal of supporting their teams and heroes.

SI.com: Decade in movies, TV shows, documentaries, books, blogsupdated: Tue Dec 22 2009 16:34:00

SI.com selects the best (and worst) sports movies, TV shows, books and blogs of the 2000s.

Face to face with Zinedine Zidaneupdated: Wed Nov 25 2009 21:31:00

There's nothing like lobbing a simple little question into a group of foaming football fanatics.

Zinedine Zidane on Talk Asiaupdated: Wed Nov 25 2009 21:31:00

From his football career to life after the game, Zinedine Zidane, a hero to millions, opened up, just a little, to CNN.

Zidane: Don't 'dwell' on Henry's handballupdated: Sun Nov 22 2009 02:08:00

Soccer fans should not "dwell" on the hand ball committed by French player Thierry Henry, former teammate Zinedine Zidane said in his defense Saturday.

Ask Zinedine Zidane your questionsupdated: Tue Oct 27 2009 00:13:00

A footballing icon and one of the most gifted players of his generation, Zinedine Zidane won every major honor in the game.

Worst XI: Infamous football punch-upsupdated: Thu Jul 16 2009 06:44:00

An ill-tempered CONCACAF Gold Cup match between Mexico and Panama recently saw three players and Mexico coach Javier Aguirre sent off amid violent scenes in Houston, Texas.

Kaka unveiled as Real Madrid's number eightupdated: Wed Jul 01 2009 09:50:00

Brazilian playmaker Kaka was officially presented as a Real Madrid player, after being handed the number eight jersey in front of thousands of supporters and a huge media contingent at the club's Bernabeu stadium on Tuesday evening.

Real fans ga-ga over Kakaupdated: Wed Jul 01 2009 09:50:00

CNN's Al Goodman reports why Real Madrid fans are so over the moon for their new superstar.

Platini hits out at Ronaldo Real Madrid dealupdated: Fri Jun 12 2009 13:20:00

Michel Platini, the president of the governing body for European football (UEFA), has hit out at the large fee offered by Real Madrid for the Portugal playmaker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Football First XI: Best goals everupdated: Thu Mar 12 2009 17:15:00

All goals count, so we're told. But some are more equal than others and this is a rundown of the best 11 of all time.

SI.com: Gabriele Marcotti: Making sense of Man. City's mega-offer for Kakáupdated: Thu Jan 15 2009 13:28:00

It's the classic "offer you can't refuse" -- the tipping point at which anything becomes possible. Manchester City's $145 million bid for Kaká is a shot into unknown territory. It roughly doubles the previous world-record transfer of $65 million, set 7½ years ago when Zinedine Zidane left Juventus for Real Madrid.

Football First XI: Shocking momentsupdated: Mon Jan 12 2009 12:12:00

Passes, tackles, shots, saves, goals -- you go to a football match expecting to see these kind of things.

French maestro gives an A to Z of teamworkupdated: Fri Dec 19 2008 10:23:00

Zinedine Zidane is sure of the quality most necessary to create a successful team: mutual respect.

SI.com: Gabriele Marcotti: Is Cristiano Ronaldo one of the all-time greats yet?updated: Wed Dec 03 2008 12:39:00

So Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or as European Footballer of the Year (though, in fact, it's a bit of a misnomer: Any professional in the world is now eligible). And, barring an Act of God, he'll win the FIFA World Player Award as well.

SI.com: Gabriele Marcotti: Don't be too quick to judge players based on tournamentsupdated: Thu Jun 26 2008 13:21:00

VIENNA, Austria -- OK, so I've tried my best. I've held my tongue throughout this tournament. But, the fact is, I've had it. I've had enough of people telling me that Miroslav Klose and Karim Benzema are overrated donkeys because they haven't had a good Euro 2008. Or that David Villa is now the best striker in Europe (heck, he's not even the best striker on his national team). Or that Andrei Arshavin is the second coming of Zinedine Zidane.

SI.com: Tim Vickery: Gilberto Silva clearly a factor behind Arsenal collapseupdated: Tue Apr 15 2008 16:09:00

He's captain of Brazil, has a World Cup winner's medal and more than 60 international appearances to his credit. But even so, Gilberto Silva is surely one of the reasons that Arsenal is set to complete another season without silverware.

SI.com: The Bonus: A sportswriter, a journey and a lifetime of memoriesupdated: Fri Nov 16 2007 10:39:00

Adapted from Far Afield by S.L. Price. Copyright © 2007 by S.L. Price. Reprinted by permission of The Lyons Press. All rights reserved.

Materazzi to miss France showdownupdated: Thu Aug 23 2007 01:36:00

World Cup winners Italy, humbled 3-1 by Hungary in a friendly on Wednesday, will face France in next month's Euro 2008 qualifier without defender Marco Materazzi.

SI.com: Fit to be kings updated: Thu Apr 19 2007 11:00:00

I don't know about you, I'm a little MLS-ed out. And I say that only as the overwhelmed editor of the SI.com soccer section; the fan side of me is still Major League Stoked. I honestly have never been this excited about our own American league.

SI.com: The 10 Spot: April 19, 2007updated: Thu Apr 19 2007 10:04:00

1. Arizona speed-control cameras have caught Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart going over the legal limit four times this offseason, including three times in March alone. Coupled with Leinart's dalliances with the likes of Paris Hilton, authorities are charging him with being a cliché. (Fast cars, check ...)

Zidane will play in charity matchupdated: Mon Feb 19 2007 05:11:00

French football legend Zinedine Zidane, whose career ended with an infamous head-butt in last year's World Cup final, will play a charity match in Thailand this weekend.

Skiing, spinach, stingrays and standoffsupdated: Thu Dec 28 2006 06:07:00

As 2006 draws to a close, we take a look back at the stories that have dominated headlines over the last 12 months.

Cannavaro named FIFA's top playerupdated: Mon Dec 18 2006 15:34:00

Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro added another trophy to his haul on Monday when he was named 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year.

Star trio vie for FIFA world awardupdated: Wed Nov 29 2006 05:00:00

Italian World Cup-winning skipper Fabio Cannavaro, Brazilian ace Ronaldinho and former French captain Zinedine Zidane have been shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA world player of the year award.

Zidane included on FIFA shortlistupdated: Thu Oct 12 2006 13:05:00

Former France playmaker Zinedine Zidane, sent off in the World Cup final in Berlin, has been named on a 30-man shortlist for FIFA's World Player of the Year award.

Materazzi reveals insult to Zidaneupdated: Tue Sep 05 2006 04:40:00

Italy defender Marco Materazzi has broken his silence over the verbal exchange that led to his violent World Cup final clash with French star Zinedine Zidane.

FIFA bans Zidane for head buttupdated: Thu Jul 20 2006 06:19:00

Zinedine Zidane, the former France captain, and Italy defender Marco Materazzi have been fined and banned by FIFA for a head-butting incident during the World Cup final on July 9.

Materazzi gives evidence to FIFAupdated: Fri Jul 14 2006 04:10:00

Italy defender Marco Materazzi traveled to Zurich on Friday to give evidence to FIFA in the investigation into Zinedine Zidane's headbutting dismissal in the World Cup final.

FIFA opens Materazzi investigationupdated: Thu Jul 13 2006 09:45:00

FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Italy's World Cup-winning defender Marco Materazzi.

FIFA investigate Zidane head-buttupdated: Tue Jul 11 2006 10:23:00

FIFA are to open a disciplinary investigation into the circumstances surrounding France captain Zinedine Zidane's head-butt on Marco Materazzi during the World Cup final.

Domenech to remain as France coachupdated: Tue Jul 11 2006 08:19:00

Raymond Domenech will stay on as France coach after leading the country to the World Cup final.

Fortune: Serwer: Two banks to bet onupdated: Mon Jul 10 2006 09:12:00

Market Power Baby! Friday was a bit of a bloodbath yes, but now we are in earnings season and done with all this interest rate hooey!

Fan Zone Forum: Au revoir, Zizouupdated: Mon Jul 10 2006 06:52:00

He has been the greatest footballer of the modern era, gracing World Cups and Champions League finals in the colors of France, Real Madrid and Juventus for almost a decade.

Zidane wins Golden Boot awardupdated: Mon Jul 10 2006 05:16:00

Zinedine Zidane has been named the World Cup's outstanding player despite his sending off for headbutting an opponent in France's penalty shootout defeat by Italy in Sunday's final.

Chirac: France still loves Zidaneupdated: Mon Jul 10 2006 03:26:00

French President Jacques Chirac has hailed Zinedine Zidane as a "virtuoso, a genius of world football" despite his sending off in the World Cup final for head-butting an Italian player.

Zidane sees red as Italy win Cupupdated: Sun Jul 09 2006 14:24:00

Italy won a penalty shootout 5-3 to lift the World Cup for the fourth time after French captain Zinedine Zidane was sensationally sent off near the end of the final that was tied 1-1 after extra time.

Zidane and Henry key for Les Bleusupdated: Sat Jul 08 2006 13:58:00

French stars Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry can propel France to World Cup glory over Italy Sunday evening said Les Bleus legend Michel Platini.

Zidane penalty puts France throughupdated: Wed Jul 05 2006 16:57:00

Zinedine Zidane's first-half penalty gave France a 1-0 win over Portugal to book a place in the World Cup final.

Fan Zone Forum: Best players?updated: Mon Jul 03 2006 10:13:00

At the beginning of the tournament CNN asked you to vote for your all-time World Cup team in the Fan Zone Dream Team. Now we also want you to submit your team of the tournament for this World Cup.

Vintage France beat holders Brazilupdated: Sat Jul 01 2006 17:10:00

France rolled back the years by producing a vintage performance to reach the semifinals of the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over holders Brazil.

Hero Zidane misses French trainingupdated: Thu Jun 29 2006 08:16:00

France captain and playmaker Zinedine Zidane missed training on Thursday but should be fit to play Brazil in their World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, a team spokesman said.

Fan Zone Forum: Who's going to win?updated: Wed Jun 28 2006 09:51:00

Thirty-two teams arrived in Germany with the dream of lifting the World Cup. Now just eight remain, among them hosts Germany, defending champions Brazil and a host of former winners.

Zidane glee as France floor Spainupdated: Tue Jun 27 2006 15:48:00

Two late goals from Patrick Vieira and Zinedine Zidane gave France a 3-1 win over Spain and a place in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Hanover on Tuesday.

Zinedine Zidaneupdated: Tue Jun 06 2006 09:10:00

France | Midfielder

Zidane labels fan jeers a disgraceupdated: Sat May 27 2006 17:26:00

France skipper Zinedine Zidane lashed out at fans who "scandalously" jeered and whistled team-mates including goalkeeper Fabien Barthez during Saturday's 1-0 friendly win over Mexico.

Osasuna claim Champions debut slotupdated: Tue May 16 2006 16:22:00

Real Madrid lost 4-3 at Sevilla but still came second in the Primera Liga as Osasuna beat Valencia 2-1 to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their last games of the season on Tuesday.

Ribery, Chimbonda in France squadupdated: Sun May 14 2006 13:01:00

France coach Raymond Domenech has included Marseille's Franck Ribery in his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals.

Zidane scores in final home matchupdated: Sun May 07 2006 15:10:00

Zinedine Zidane scored in the 67th minute of his final home appearance for Real Madrid in a 3-3 draw with Villarreal in the Primera Liga.

Help us choose the World Cup Dream Teamupdated: Mon May 01 2006 12:06:00

Throughout the World Cup, CNN is compiling its own "Dream Team" of the greatest-ever players who have competed in the tournament.

Lizarazu announces his retirementupdated: Sun Apr 30 2006 15:25:00

Former World Cup and European championship winner Bixente Lizarazu has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.

Franceupdated: Wed Apr 26 2006 09:01:00

Group G | World ranking: 8

Zidane will retire after World Cupupdated: Tue Apr 25 2006 13:19:00

France and Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane said Tuesday he will retire after the World Cup in Germany.

Zidane may quit - Spanish reportsupdated: Sat Apr 22 2006 06:06:00

Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane is set to announce his retirement after the World Cup finals, Spanish news reports claimed on Saturday.

Zidane may retire after World Cupupdated: Sat Dec 31 2005 06:42:00

France playmaker Zinedine Zidane has hinted that he could retire after next year's World Cup in Germany.

Ronaldo, Zidane both back for Realupdated: Fri Dec 02 2005 12:34:00

Brazil striker Ronaldo and France midfielder Zinedine Zidane are both included in Real Madrid's squad to face Getafe in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Zidane, Trezeguet in France squadupdated: Thu Sep 29 2005 11:13:00

France have named captain Zinedine Zidane and striker David Trezeguet in a 22-man squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers - although injured Thierry Henry has been left out.

Zidane goal marks French comebackupdated: Wed Aug 17 2005 16:28:00

Zinedine Zidane made a dream return to the French international line up as he scored their second goal in a 3-0 victory over the Ivory Coast in Montpellier.

Zidane prepared for 2006 World Cupupdated: Fri Aug 05 2005 10:57:00

Zinedine Zidane says he will play in the 2006 World Cup finals should France qualify for the tournament in Germany.

Zidane rediscovers lost motivationupdated: Thu Aug 04 2005 09:44:00

French great Zinedine Zidane says he decided to make his international comeback after rediscovering his lost motivation.

Zidane boosts French World Cup bidupdated: Wed Aug 03 2005 11:45:00

Zinedine Zidane is coming out of international retirement and will help France try to qualify for next year's World Cup finals, the midfielder said on Wednesday.

Real end tour by beating Thailandupdated: Fri Jul 29 2005 09:36:00

Real Madrid beat the Thai national team 3-0 in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 30,000 at Bangkok's Rajmangala Stadium, as they completed their pre-season tour.

Rampant Real reignite Spanish raceupdated: Sun Apr 10 2005 15:21:00

Real Madrid injected new life into the Spanish title race with a scintillating 4-2 home triumph against league leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona on Sunday.

Helguera goal poor reward for Realupdated: Tue Feb 22 2005 17:07:00

Ivan Helguera gave a dominant Real Madrid a slender 1-0 win over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.

Madrid sent crashing by Valladolidupdated: Wed Jan 19 2005 17:48:00

Real Madrid sensationally crashed out of the Spanish Cup with a 1-1 draw at home to second-division Valladolid in a dull third-round second leg.

Zidane gives new coach great startupdated: Wed Jan 05 2005 12:14:00

Vanderlei Luxemburgo made a spectacular debut as coach of Real Madrid on Wednesday, leading his team to a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in less than seven minutes.

Last-gasp Zidane gives Madrid winupdated: Sat Dec 18 2004 16:36:00

An injury-time goal from Zinedine Zidane gave Real Madrid a 3-2 victory over Racing Santander to rekindle their hopes of challenging Spanish leaders Barcelona.

Rooney shortlisted for world awardupdated: Tue Oct 05 2004 12:13:00

England and Manchester United teenage sensation Wayne Rooney has made it on to the 35-strong 'shortlist' for FIFA's 2004 Player of the Year award.

Zidane returns to Real Madrid sideupdated: Mon Sep 27 2004 13:20:00

Real Madrid coach Mariano Garcia Remon has confirmed that Frenchman Zinedine Zidane will return to the starting line-up for Tuesday's Champions League Group B clash with Roma.

Zidane quits French national teamupdated: Thu Aug 12 2004 08:32:00

France playmaker Zinedine Zidane announced on Thursday that he was ending his international career after a 10-year spell with Les Bleus.

Elite clubs face qualifying hurdleupdated: Mon Aug 09 2004 08:19:00

A place in the money-spinning Champions League beckons for Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester United when the third and final qualifying round starts this week.

Zidane delays a decision on futureupdated: Wed Aug 04 2004 13:29:00

Zinedine Zidane says he will decide whether to carry on playing for France before their opening 2006 World Cup qualifier against Israel in Paris on September 4.

Zidane injury worry after Real winupdated: Sun Aug 01 2004 11:17:00

Zinedine Zidane limped off with a foot injury as Real Madrid ended their Japan tour with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy on Sunday.

Ronaldo injury is a worry for Realupdated: Wed Jul 28 2004 16:40:00

Real Madrid's promotional tour of Japan got off to a worrying start on Wednesday when Brazilian striker Ronaldo limped out of a training session.

Two-goal Henry is ready for Greeceupdated: Mon Jun 21 2004 16:59:00

Thierry Henry scored two late goals as defending champion France reached the Euro 2004 quarterfinals after a 3-1 win over Switzerland to finish top of Group B.

Zidane double devastates England updated: Sun Jun 13 2004 16:01:00

Two injury time goals from Zinedine Zidane gave tournament favorites France a dramatic late 2-1 victory over England in Lisbon.

Zidane off as Real crash yet againupdated: Sat May 01 2004 17:49:00

Zinedine Zidane was sent off as Real Madrid crashed to a demoralising 2-0 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish Primera Liga on Saturday.

Fans vote Zidane Europe's top starupdated: Thu Apr 22 2004 11:38:00

Zinedine Zidane of France has been voted the best European footballer of the last 50 years by fans, UEFA said at a Golden Jubilee ceremony on Thursday.

Zidane is latest French withdrawalupdated: Mon Mar 29 2004 07:42:00

France playmaker Zinedine Zidane has pulled out of their friendly international against the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Wednesday with a groin injury.

Real respond with a four-goal haulupdated: Wed Mar 24 2004 16:40:00

Real Madrid recovered from a goal down to claim a convincing 4-2 win over Monaco in a pulsating Champions League quarterfinal, first leg at the Bernabeu.

Zidane steers Real into last eightupdated: Wed Mar 10 2004 16:54:00

Zinedine Zidane hit the only goal as Real Madrid made the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the seventh straight year, beating old rivals Bayern Munich.

Real capitalize on Valencia defeatupdated: Sun Feb 29 2004 17:01:00

Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of the Spanish Liga to eight points with a 4-2 win over struggling Celta Vigo.

Zidane fails in appeal against banupdated: Fri Feb 13 2004 14:24:00

Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane has failed in his appeals against a one-match ban after being sent off in midweek and misses their top of the table clash with Valencia on Sunday.

Zidane off as Madrid edge throughupdated: Wed Feb 11 2004 17:45:00

Real Madrid scrambled through to the final of the King's Cup with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Sevilla, despite having Zinedine Zidane sent off.

Zidane wants to extend Real careerupdated: Thu Feb 05 2004 13:55:00

Zinedine Zidane is keen to extend his contract with Real Madrid for an extra year and complete his playing career with the Spanish champions in 2006.

Madrid dominate UEFA annual pollupdated: Mon Jan 12 2004 11:17:00

Spanish champions Real Madrid dominate UEFA's team of the year, voted for by users of the European governing body's Web site.

Zidane misses Juventus drugs trialupdated: Mon Jan 12 2004 10:57:00

Zinedine Zidane failed to attend an Italian court on Monday where he had been summoned to give evidence in the trial of two Juventus officials accused of administering banned substances to players.

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