the day he was a ball boy at Euro 1984

June 23, 1984 is a date that Zinédine Zidane will never forget. Already because it's his 12th birthday. Then, because he experienced that day, at the Vélodrome stadium in Marseille, a moment which will forever mark his career and his life.

That evening, it was the semi-final of Euro 1984 between France and Portugal. The future world champion is on the field as a ball boy, a stone's throw from his idols: Jean-François Domergue, Jean Tigana and of course Michel Platini. Zidane is in the front row to witness a match which will prove to be one of the most incredible moments in French football.

Because the meeting will indeed turn out to be a real emotional rollercoaster. Michel Hidalgo's Blues, trailing 2-1 during part of extra time, managed to reverse the situation at the last minute thanks to two decisive actions, including a goal from Michel Platini two minutes from time.

The click

France won 3-2, down to the wire, in a boiling Vélodrome. The cries of joy from the supporters and the electrifying atmosphere will be a real revelation for young Zinédine, who is already a football fan, but who on his 12th birthday will dream further and consider turning professional.

In the years that followed, Zidane would imbibe the talent and technique of great players such as Platini and would work tirelessly to perfect his game. This is how he would climb the ranks of professional football, eventually offering France, 14 years later, in 1998, a title that she no longer dared to dream of: the World Cup.

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