By Mamy Yves Ratsimbazafy – Published on 30 Nov 2024 at 14:30
In an interview with So Foot in 2022, Jamel Debbouze lifted a corner of the veil on the personality of Zinedine Zidane. A point of view far from the clichés often associated with the icon of world football.
It's no secret that Jamel Debbouze and Zinedine Zidane are long-time friends. Which led the comedian to deliver a very personal opinion about the football star during a previous interview with So Foot: “ When he's with his friends, when he doesn't feel judged, obviously he lets go. He's one of the funniest and liveliest guys I know. It's even crazy. He does anything!“. Revelations which may surprise, as the public image of the footballer is often associated with a certain seriousness and unfailing perfectionism.
Jamel Debbouze without filter on Zinedine Zidane
Behind this champion facade hides a man who loves to laugh and mess around. “ He's the clown of his family, always putting a good mood on» continues Jamel Debbouze. This lighter facet of Zinedine Zidane's personality is therefore a discovery for many, who see him more as an example to follow, a model of sporting excellence.
The weight of the legend
If Zidane is admired by millions of people around the world, this admiration unfortunately has a bad side. According to Jamel Debbouze: “ Everyone dreams of being Zidane, it's like this fantasy of being king. We are not talking about a president, elected for a few months or years. Zidane is like a king obliged to wear this crown all his life “. This comparison with royalty is enlightening. Like a sovereign, the footballer is subject to constant scrutiny and high expectations. It is expected to be perfect, infallible. However, like any human being, he has his weaknesses, his moments of doubt.
The headbutt: a turning point
The Materazzi headbutt incident during the 2006 World Cup final certainly marked a turning point in Zinedine Zidane's career. “ This headbutt at Materazzi shook up the whole Earth, but it put certain things back on track. Already for him. We all set it too high. For a human, it can be heavy to carry» underlines Jamel Debbouze. A gesture of irritation which showed that the star of the 1998 World Cup was above all a man, with his emotions, his anger.
