How a Headbutt Altered the Course of the 2006 World Cup Final—and Zinedine Zidane’s Career

Zinedine Zidane put a new meaning on header in the last game of his international career.

In 2006, the French soccer player—affectionally referred to as “Zizou” and widely considered one of the best to ever step foot onto a pitch—had a second FIFA World Cup win within his when a split-second changed everything. 

The midfielder was in the 109th minute of the Berlin-set final against Italy, having given his team an edge early on, when he and opposing defender Marco Materazzi exchanged what appeared to be light-hearted words. Without warning, however, Zidane spun on his heel and delivered a headbutt to Materazzi’s chest that sent the taller man sprawling.

Though the interaction initially seemed lost to the chaos of the pitch (the ball had continued up-field), official Luis Medina Cantalejo confirmed to head referee Horacio Elizondo that he’d seen the headbutt occur with his own eyes. 

Left with no other choice, Elizondo issue a red card and Zidane—who had confirmed he’d be retiring from the sport at the end of the year—was ejected from the game.