by The 2006 FIFA World Cup was a competition riddled with controversies, from Josip Šimunić’s three yellow cards to Portugal vs. Netherlands’ fourteen yellows and four red cards. No moment, however, was quite as infamous nor iconic as Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt during the Italy vs. France final.
An unforgettable moment, while for the wrong reasons, it lives on, especially with the return of his famed adidas Predator Absolute “Gold” Edition boots.
Any famed footballer’s final moments on the pitch are a huge attention draw, especially when you’ve had a career as trailblazing as Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman totaled 108 caps for his home nation, seeing to their win of the 1998 FIFA World Cup with two goals. Taking home the 1998 Ballon d’Or, he’s regarded by many as one of the world’s greatest players of all time.
His final game, however, saw him bow out rather unceremoniously, especially as France went on to lose the World Cup final on penalties after he was sent off with a red card.
The red followed an aggressive headbutt against the chest of Marco Materazzi.
Infamous and iconic, the moment is forever etched in history, as are the boots that donned Zidane’s feet. A gold pair of adidas Predator Absolutes were the striking force for the three goals scored by the Frenchman during the tournament, and thanks to all of the associated controversy, they too will never be forgotten.
Available online now, the Firm Ground boots are back with a modernized fit, ready to make a statement – perhaps at this year’s World Cup? We’ll have to wait and see.
