Zidanes headbutt after almost 20 years
Marco Materazzi has indicated he would be open to speaking with Zinedine Zidane almost two decades after their explosive confrontation in the 2006 World Cup final, according to reporting by the Daily Mirror, written by Ben Crawford in 2024.
A final that froze the world
The incident remains one of the defining images in football history. During extra time of the World Cup final in Germany, with Italy and France tied at one goal each, Zinedine Zidane reacted to a comment from Marco Materazzi by headbutting the Italian defender in the chest.
Zidane headbutt. pic.twitter.com/f6h90NtdvT
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) April 20, 2015
The France captain, playing the final match of his career, was shown a red card and sent off. Without their leader, France went on to lose the match on penalties, with David Trezeguet missing the decisive spot kick as Italy lifted the trophy.
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No contact since 2006
Marco Materazzi said the two men have never spoken, either before or after the final. There has been no relationship of any kind since that night in Berlin.
Speaking to Lucky Block, Materazzi explained that time and distance have changed his perspective.
According to the Daily Mirror, Materazzi said he holds no ongoing resentment and no longer feels the need for an apology.
Respect has replaced resentment
Despite the history between them, Materazzi said his view of Zinedine Zidane has evolved. He described Zidane as one of the great figures of the sport and praised his achievements after retiring as a player.
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Materazzi pointed to Zidane’s success as a manager, including winning three Champions League titles in a row at Real Madrid, as evidence of his lasting impact on football.
He added that he would now welcome a conversation, saying there would be no issue speaking face to face after so many years.
The comment that sparked it all
The cause of the headbutt has been publicly discussed by both men. In a 2023 interview with Italian Football TV, Marco Materazzi explained that the exchange was an example of trash talk that escalated unexpectedly.
He said Zinedine Zidane had offered him his shirt, and he responded with a remark referencing Zidane’s sister.
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Zidane later confirmed that this comment was the trigger. According to previous interviews cited by the Daily Mirror, Zidane said he was provoked by the mention of his sister Lila and admitted he regretted his reaction, even if it had become part of his legacy.
An apology that echoed worldwide
After the final, Zinedine Zidane issued a public apology, acknowledging the scale of the audience that witnessed the incident.
He described the act as inexcusable and said he wanted to apologise to viewers, particularly children and those responsible for teaching sportsmanship.
Nearly two decades on, Marco Materazzi’s willingness to talk suggests that one of football’s most enduring grudges may finally be approaching a quieter, more reflective chapter.
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Sources: Daily Mirror, Lucky Block, Italian Football TV
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