Zinedine Zidane Soccer News

Lawyers for FIFA and France's soccer federation criticized efforts by two groups of fans demanding an official investigation of Zinedine Zidane's expulsion from the World Cup final, calling it a ``publicity stunt.'' A Paris court held a hearing Thursday to decide whether to allow the probe, reviving memories of the star's head-butt of Italy defender Marco Materazzi in extra time, which stunned millions of fans and led to a red ...

Zinedine Zidane, Fabio Cannavaro and Ronaldinho are the finalists for FIFA's World Player of the Year award. The selection, announced Wednesday by soccer's world governing body, was made through voting by coaches and captains of national teams. Brazil's Marta, runner-up to 2005 winner Birgit Prinz of Germany, is among the women's finalists again this year. Her competition is U.S. captain Kristine Lilly and Renate Lingor of Germany. Christine Sinclair of ...

Marco Materazzi is still awaiting a handshake from Zinedine Zidane. The Italy defender was head-butted in the chest by Zidane after insulting the France captain's sister in the World Cup final on July 9 in Berlin. Zidane got red-carded and Italy went on to win the title in a penalty shootout. ``I have made my apologies. In return I have never received the offer of a handshake,'' Materazzi said Wednesday ...

Zinedine Zidane is to become a consultant with French TV station Canal Plus. In a deal that could involve providing commentary on matches, Zidane signed with the cable station because ``it's a channel I know well. I will stay close to football because that's what I know how to do.'' Zidane hasn't kicked a ball since he was sent off in the World Cup final on July 9 for head-butting ...

Zinedine Zidane was among those nominated for this year's FIFA World Player of the Year award. The former captain of France's national team made the shortlist despite ending his career being ejected from the World Cup final against Italy for head butting Marco Materazzi in the chest. Italians Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo, who were named the World Cup's best players along with Zidane, were also nominated for the award. ...