Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterAs Zinedine Zidane gets set to return to the France national team setup as head coach, it is worth remembering just how big an impact the 54-year-old has had on his nations football culture.From his upbringing in Marseille to becoming the face of Frances historic 1998 World Cup victory, few players have left such an indelible mark on the game.For his former France teammate Djibril Cisse, Zidanes influence went far beyond his impact on the pitch, as the ex-Liverpool striker believes that the former Real Madrid mans journey, personality and playing style all contributed to making him a sporting and cultural icon.Cisse on Zindanes influenceHe was a little kid from the mean streets of Marseille, Cisse tells FourFourTwo of Zidanes beginnings, where he was born and raised in the citys gritty La Castellane neighbourhood.He came from a very tough neighbourhood - a background that swallows so many people up. Its not easy to become someone with this kind of start in life, but he did it. You may like Ronaldo was the best in the world. Even if you ask Zinedine Zidane, Im sure hed say the same Youri Djorkaeff on what it was like to line up alongside two legends It wouldnt be fair to compare Kevin Nolan with Zinedine Zidane but maybe he was a better warrior Youri Djorkaeff on two of his very different former team-mates Zinedine Zidane was supposed to take the corner in the World Cup final, not head it in. But I said, No, let me take this one, you stay in the box Youri Djorkaeff on his part in Frances 1998 World Cup final win It was this ability to rise from such humble beginnings to the very top of the globes most popular sport which makes Zidanes story so compelling.And for Cisse, this - in addition to his sublime ability with a football - all plays into why Zidane was able to make such a difference in society.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The best players in the world dont just win matches but they influence peoples lives, he continues.Zidane didnt do that with his personality, like Ali, but he did it with his technical ability, his winning mentality and his elegance.This came courtesy of Zidanes positive approach on the pitch, as he would let his attack-minded football do the talking.He was never the type of player who would sit deep and hope for a draw. He always saw the possibility to break forward and go for the win and you always had a chance with him in your team.Not only that but his sublime skill, his showboating and his effectiveness made so many people around the world fall in love with French football. Playing alongside him for the national team was an honour.Again, like Jordan, he is the GOAT of his sport in my opinion. A legend in my country."TOPICSZinedine ZidaneDjibril CissFranceWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
