Former Actual Madrid midfielder Enzo Zidane, son of soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, has formally introduced his retirement from skilled soccer on the age of 29.
After being with out a membership since 2023, Enzo has determined to hold up his boots, ending a profession that noticed him play throughout a number of European leagues however in the end fall in need of the lofty expectations positioned upon him.
Enzo got here via the ranks at Actual Madrid, the place his father Zinedine was a legendary participant and later, a celebrated coach. Enzo’s solely look for the senior Actual Madrid aspect got here in the course of the 2016/17 season in a Copa del Rey match in opposition to Cultural Leonesa. He marked his debut with a aim within the 6-1 victory, a match that additionally noticed Martin Odegaard make his debut for the Spanish giants. Whereas Odegaard’s profession has soared, with the Norwegian now captaining Arsenal and considered one among Europe’s high playmakers, Enzo’s path has been much less illustrious.
Following his transient stint at Madrid, Enzo launched into a journey throughout Europe, taking part in in Spain’s decrease divisions, Switzerland, Portugal, and France. His final membership was Fuenlabrada, a third-tier Spanish outfit, the place he made 29 appearances in the course of the 2022/23 season. His ultimate skilled sport got here in Might 2023.
Enzo’s determination to retire, in accordance with stories from Spanish outlet AS, stems from frustration and “boredom” after being unable to safe a brand new membership. His focus will now shift to his household, together with his spouse Karen and their three daughters.
In a 2018 interview with Marca, Enzo spoke concerning the challenges of rising up because the son of one among soccer’s greatest-ever gamers. He described the fixed comparisons and criticism he confronted all through his profession however maintained that his precedence was to forge his personal id as a footballer and make his household proud.
Enzo’s retirement marks the top of a profession that by no means fairly reached the heights that many had anticipated. Nonetheless, his love for the sport and want to discover totally different footballing experiences, as he as soon as expressed, will stay a big a part of his journey. Whereas Enzo steps away from the sport, his three youthful brothers—Luca, Theo, and Elyaz—proceed their soccer careers at golf equipment resembling Granada, Cordoba, and Actual Betis, respectively.
Regardless of the burden of his surname and the pressures that got here with it, Enzo Zidane leaves behind a profession formed by resilience and the pursuit of his personal path, away from the immense shadow solid by his father.