Zinedine Zidane, France's national football team head coach, stated Thursday that he harbors no regrets about his headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final, as he prepares to face Italy in his first home game in charge.
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the UEFA Nations League match against Italy at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis near Paris on October 1, Zidane addressed the incident that resulted in his dismissal in extra time during what proved to be his final match as a player.
"The images will always be there to remind me of what happened in 2006, because they are always being shown," Zidane said, smiling when questioned about the headbutt. "Fortunately that is not the only thing I did," he added, indicating his perspective on his broader career legacy beyond the controversial moment.
The 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy ended in a penalty shootout victory for Italy after the match went to extra time. Zidane's red card for the headbutt on Materazzi occurred during that extra period, marking a dramatic conclusion to his playing career.