Zinedine Zidane (L) poses with Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez on Monday. The Frenchman becomes the 11th coach to serve under Perez.
New boss —
Zinedine Zidane (L) poses with Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez on Monday. The Frenchman becomes the 11th coach to serve under Perez.
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Can Zinedine Zidane cut it as a coach?<br />The French icon has taken over as head coach of Real Madrid following the sacking of Rafael Benitez, Monday.
Much to prove —
Can Zinedine Zidane cut it as a coach?
The French icon has taken over as head coach of Real Madrid following the sacking of Rafael Benitez, Monday.
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As a player, Zidane was part of the Real Madrid which won the Champions League in 2002. His stunning volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the final is one of the most iconic goals in football history. Madrid fans will hope he can replicate his playing success in the dugout.
Legendary player —
As a player, Zidane was part of the Real Madrid which won the Champions League in 2002. His stunning volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the final is one of the most iconic goals in football history. Madrid fans will hope he can replicate his playing success in the dugout.
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The final act of Zidane's glittering playing career was to headbutt Italy's Marco Materazzi while playing for France in the 2006 World Cup final.
Moment of madness —
The final act of Zidane's glittering playing career was to headbutt Italy's Marco Materazzi while playing for France in the 2006 World Cup final.
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His headbutt on Materazzi was immortalized in the bronze statue "Coup de Tete" by Algerian-born artist Adel Abdessemed.
Immortalized —
His headbutt on Materazzi was immortalized in the bronze statue "Coup de Tete" by Algerian-born artist Adel Abdessemed.
KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/Getty Images/file
Eight years earlier, he inspired France to a World Cup triumph on home soil. In the final against Brazil, Zidane scored two first-half goals as France ran out 3-0 winners.
On top of the world —
Eight years earlier, he inspired France to a World Cup triumph on home soil. In the final against Brazil, Zidane scored two first-half goals as France ran out 3-0 winners.
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It was France's first ever World Cup win, while Zidane also helped the nation to European Championship success two years later.
European success —
It was France's first ever World Cup win, while Zidane also helped the nation to European Championship success two years later.
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Since 2014, Zidane has been in charge of Real's B team -- Real Madrid Castilla -- which plays in the third tier of Spanish football.
Headbutt to Head-coach? —
Since 2014, Zidane has been in charge of Real's B team -- Real Madrid Castilla -- which plays in the third tier of Spanish football.
GERARD JULIEN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
All four of Zidane's sons -- Theo Fernandez, Elyaz Fernandez, Enzo Fernandez and Luca Fernandez -- are part of Real's youth setup.
In the family —
All four of Zidane's sons -- Theo Fernandez, Elyaz Fernandez, Enzo Fernandez and Luca Fernandez -- are part of Real's youth setup.
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Enzo Fernandez currently plays for Real Madrid Castilla, where he had been managed by his father.
Like father, like son —
Enzo Fernandez currently plays for Real Madrid Castilla, where he had been managed by his father.
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Zidane was Carlo Ancelotti's assistant coach during the experienced Italian's time in charge of Real, which included a 10th European Cup triumph for the club.
Out of the Shadows —
Zidane was Carlo Ancelotti's assistant coach during the experienced Italian's time in charge of Real, which included a 10th European Cup triumph for the club.
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Sunday's 2-2 draw with Valencia proved to be Benitez's last game in the charge of Real, which sits third in the Spanish First Division, three points behind leader Atletico Madrid.
Sacked —
Sunday's 2-2 draw with Valencia proved to be Benitez's last game in the charge of Real, which sits third in the Spanish First Division, three points behind leader Atletico Madrid.
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His departure comes just two weeks after he guided the team to an historic 10-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, the biggest margin of victory in the league since the 1959-60 season. Welsh forward Gareth Bale helped himself to four goals, while French striker Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick against nine-man Rayo.
History-Maker —
His departure comes just two weeks after he guided the team to an historic 10-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, the biggest margin of victory in the league since the 1959-60 season. Welsh forward Gareth Bale helped himself to four goals, while French striker Karim Benzema scored a hat-trick against nine-man Rayo.
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The 55-year-old also led Real to an 8-0 win against Swedish side Malmo in the Champions League, the biggest ever group stage win in the competition's history. Ronaldo scored four, as Benzema converted another hat-trick. And yet, still, many of the club's fans never warmed to Benitez.
An Impossible Job? —
The 55-year-old also led Real to an 8-0 win against Swedish side Malmo in the Champions League, the biggest ever group stage win in the competition's history. Ronaldo scored four, as Benzema converted another hat-trick. And yet, still, many of the club's fans never warmed to Benitez.
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Benitez was unveiled as Real Madrid manager in June by club president Florentino Perez. Just seven months later, he's departed.
A Short Tenure —
Benitez was unveiled as Real Madrid manager in June by club president Florentino Perez. Just seven months later, he's departed.
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