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Zidane stands firm on Materazzi incident as France prepares Italy rematch

The French football legend has expressed no regrets over the notorious headbutt that saw him sent off in his final match as a player. The incident occurred during the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.

LSN Singapore · 2 October 2026

Zidane stands firm on Materazzi incident as France prepares Italy rematch

Zinedine Zidane has reiterated that he harbours no regrets about the infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, even as France prepares to face Italy once again on the football pitch.

The incident, which resulted in Zidane's red card in extra time during what turned out to be the final match of his playing career, remains one of football's most memorable disciplinary moments. Despite the controversy and the impact on the match's outcome, the French football icon has maintained his stance that he would make the same decision if faced with similar circumstances.

With France now set to encounter Italy in an upcoming fixture, the spotlight has inevitably returned to the 2006 final in Germany. The match represents another chapter in the rivalry between the two nations, and Zidane's unwavering position on the headbutt has once again come under scrutiny from observers and analysts across the sport.

Zidane's comments underscore the enduring nature of the incident in football folklore, nearly two decades after it occurred. His refusal to express regret reflects his perspective on the events that unfolded during that pivotal moment in his career.