Go Zizou!- Femina - Indiatimes

His is one of the most famous and valued names in football. But what we find irresistible (along with his game, that is) is the humble manner in which Zinedine Zidane wears his fame
His name means 'beauty of faith'. His parents couldn't have known how bang-on this name would prove and how millions of fans all over the world would one day put their faith in this one man on the field.
Zidane may not be the most gifted player on the football scene but he is arguably the most creative. His ability to spot and create openings for goals on the field leaves you marvelling at his genius. In fact, when sports channels have a five to 10-minute break in between shows, they run footage of Zidane - his techniques during practice and his all-time great goals.
He is respected not just by his fans but also by his teammates and rivals. Veterans hold him in high regard; newcomers look up to him. At Real Madrid, his mates call him 'Galacticus' and though he isn't captain, he is clearly a leader. When huge names like David Beckham and Figo were brought in, they were put under his wing; to make them fit to play for Real. When he played for France, he rose to the occasion, as only champions do, at the World Cup in 1998, and gave France their first World Cup win with two fantastic headers. Overnight, Zidane became the most revered man in France.
He is the most 'normal' footballer around, which is not to say there is anything remotely ordinary about him. He is accessible to his fans and they love him for it. He is seldom called Zinedine or even Zidane by fans and media. For them, he is just Zizou.In an age of whopping negotiations and expensive transfers, Zidane's motivation to move from Juventus to Real Madrid had nothing to do with money and everything to do with a desire for achievement. He had his eye on the coveted Champions League trophy... the one title he had not managed to pocket yet. He did, of course.
When he is on the field, nothing matters but his game. He has suffered innumerable injuries on the field and has played through most of them. Once, he took a particularly
bad blow to his head from a rival's spiked heel. He was taken indoors, blood dripping from the bald spot on his head. Incredibly, 20 minutes later, Zizou was back on the field, his head stitched up and bandaged!
We think strong, intense features are hot. Zidane is endearingly candid about his shortcomings, especially his bald spot. When asked by a journalist why he doesn't endorse more products, he laughed and said, 'Look at me, who's going to buy a shampoo that I recommend?' We love a guy with a sense of humour!