Here’s the truth behind why Zinedine Zidane headbutt Marco Materazzi in 2006 FIFA World Cup

Former Real Madrid manager and French player is known to be one of the greatest players of all time in football. However, it was one incident on the field that will be remembered for always. In 2006, during the World Cup finals, while the ball was in play, Zinedine Zidane headbutt Italian defender Marco Materazzi and while Italy went on to win the World Cup, the night will be remember for the famous headbutt after which he was sent off. it

After many years and several interviews, Italian defender Materazzi revealed what happened in the incident where fell to the ground in Zidane’s farewell match. The defender said that to irritate the then French captain, he said, “I prefer the whore that is your sister”. The statement immediately led to Zidane headbutting the defender. However, it did not work out well as France lost one of their best players and eventually they lost 5-4 in the World Cup penalty shootout. 

Zidane, or Zizou as he is more fondly called, however, later apologised for his behaviour but said he did not regret his actions. He was given a red card by the referee and though he immediately retired from playing football, FIFA handed him a three match ban. Zidane completed three days of community service with children in one of FIFA's humanitarian projects.