THE SPORTSMISTAKES RECORD

Zidane headbutt

2006 • Soccer • Player Mistake • Red Card / Retaliation
Zidane headbutt — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup final on July 9, 2006, at Berlin's Olympiastadion, French captain Zinedine Zidane headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest during extra time. The incident led to Zidane's red card and ejection from his final professional match. Italy won the match 5–3 in a penalty shootout, securing their fourth World Cup title.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: France; Italy; Zinedine Zidane; Marco Materazzi

WHY IT MATTERS

Zidane's unexpected ejection in his final match overshadowed his illustrious career and remains a defining moment in World Cup history.

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