Zinedine Zidane reflects on iconic moments at Real Madrid – ‘The history the club has, the best’

Real Madrid’s lineage extends to a number of legendary footballers, but few can rival the success and impact of Zinedine Zidane.

After an illustrious playing career, Zidane achieved what few others have—matching his legendary status as a player with a renowned coaching career.

Having won a resounding 11 trophies across two spells as Los Blancos’ head coach, Zidane reserves the right to be labelled as one of the club’s most influential figures.

Zidane reminisces about his time at Real Madrid

The 52-year-old has been responsible for several iconic moments at the Santiago Bernabeu and did not hide his admiration for the club’s sacred home ground.

“The Bernabeu is top, top, top. For me, the Bernabeu is number one. The people, stadium, everything, the history that the club has, the best,” Zidane waxed lyrical (h/t Madrid Xtra).

While Zidane has no shortage of memorable moments, the one that arguably takes the cake is his magnificent strike against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 Champions League final.

Acknowledging it as his best goal, he remarked, “The best, most beautiful and important one, I think is the goal against Leverkusen. We needed this goal to win the Champions League.”

When being handed the jersey that he donned in his last ever game with the Merengues, the former midfielder fondly looked back at the memories associated with it.

“This is from my last season with Real Madrid. I think this was against Villarreal at home.

“It was my last match with the club and it was emotional because my friends and family were there at the Bernabeu. It was a special match. I remember it,” he said.

Zidane was also presented with a jersey from the 2016 Champions League, which he once again reflected upon fondly.

“This [shirt] was as a coach, from the Champions League. In Milan, against Atletico Madrid. There’s nothing better than winning the Champions League with the white shirt,” he exclaimed.