"Materazzi was the protagonist of that match."
Former France national team coach Raymond Domenech said in an interview with Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport on the 18th (Korea time), "I wonder why Zinedine Zidane headbutted someone in the 2006 World Cup in Germany," adding, "Honestly, I know he had a hot temper, but I don't know why he did that in that situation."
The 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Germany ended with Italy winning after a penalty shootout. But there is a scene that remains a topic of conversation more than 20 years later. Zinedine Zidane, who was France's captain and called the "maestro," suddenly headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.
The final match moved into the late stages of extra time with tense balance. It was Zidane's last appearance before retirement, and the stadium was filled with fans chanting his name. But with just 10 minutes remaining, Zidane became the protagonist of a "headbutt incident" that would remain in world soccer history.
At the time, Zidane was said to have been enraged by provocation from Materazzi, who was marking him tightly. When the Italian defender tugged at his shirt, Zidane said, "Do you want my shirt that badly? I'll give it to you after the match." But Materazzi is said to have retorted, "I prefer your sister to the shirt."
In an instant, Zidane turned and forcefully headbutted Materazzi's chest without looking back. The referee immediately showed a red card. It was the moment when France's captain, the team's symbol, and the world's best midfielder was sent off in his farewell match. Zidane walked silently past the tunnel where the World Cup trophy was kept, and that image topped front pages around the world.
The story of "Zidane being sent off" became a bigger issue than "Italy winning the title." After the match, Zidane told France's Canal Plus in an interview, "He insulted my family, especially my sister. It was something no human could tolerate." Materazzi initially denied it, but later admitted in an interview, "It is true that I mentioned Zidane's sister. But I did not insult his mother."
Eleven years later, in 2017, Materazzi again referenced the incident, explaining, "Zidane tapped my shoulder that day and said, 'Do you need my shirt?' I replied, 'I don't need the shirt, I'd prefer your sister.'" He insisted his words were "provocation but not racist," but public opinion remained cold.
Zidane was sent off, but after the tournament he was selected by FIFA as the 2006 World Cup MVP (Golden Ball) winner. Then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter said the award could have been revoked because of the headbutt incident, but "his performance and influence were undeniable," explaining the decision.
However, FIFA fined Zidane 3,260 pounds (about 5.8 million won at the time), and Materazzi received a two-match suspension and a fine of 2,170 pounds (about 3.8 million won). Especially since Zidane retired after that match, the match became a major topic in many ways.
Domenech, who was France's coach at the time, recalled in an interview with the Italian media, "Honestly, I still wonder why Zidane headbutted someone in that situation. I knew he had a hot temper, but no one would have expected such a sudden act in the final."
Domenech added, "It was a disappointing game from France's perspective. Materazzi, who got Zidane sent off, will probably be the lifelong protagonist of that match. He conceded a penalty, allowed the equalizer, and in the end got Zidane sent off. What more could you ask for?"
[OSEN]