Marco Materazzi makes Zinedine Zidane offer after 18 years of silence since World Cup headbutt

It has been almost two decades since Zinedine Zidane’s World Cup final headbutting of Marco Materazzi, and the former Italy defender is now ready to talk with the France icon

Marco Materazzi is ready to talk to Zinedine Zidane nearly 20 years after the Frenchman infamously headbutted him in the World Cup final.

In what remains one of the most memorable World Cup, if not footballing, moments of all time, Zidane took offence to one of Materazzi’s taunts in the 20th minute of added time, with Italy and France level at one goal apiece.

A forceful and violent headbutt followed, and the Real Madrid and Juventus icon was sent off. With their talisman gone, Les Bleus crumbled in the penalty shootout. David Trezeguet’s miss sealed Zidane’s fate in what would be the final match of his career, and gifted Materazzi with a winner’s medal.

As would be expected, the two don’t share the warmest of relationships. And despite Zidane offering his apologies, Materazzi has had little to do with him – though this might now change.

"I haven’t spoken to Zinedine Zidane since that day, I had never spoken to him before and have not spoken to him after. We don’t have a relationship," Materazzi admitted, speaking to Lucky Block.

"He is a legend of the game, and I have a lot of respect for him as a player and a manager, winning three Champions League's in a row. I’m no longer looking for an apology but would happily have a conversation with him now that so many years have passed. There would be no problem."

Ex-Inter Milan ace Materazzi opened up last year about what exactly caused the infamous altercation, mentioning that the bringing up of Zidane’s sister, Lila, was the catalyst.

"You know the NBA? Trash talking – my trash talking nothing, very minimal, nothing," Materazzi told Italian Football TV in 2023. "He offered me his jersey, I say, 'no, I prefer your sister'."

Zidane has previously backed up that this was the primary source of his anger, stating: "He provoked me by talking about my sister Lila.

"I'm not proud of it, but it's part of my career," he added. "At that time, I was more fragile. He didn't insult my mother, but he did insult my sister."

The Frenchman went on to offer his apologies, that now, though he has denied the need for one, may be received by Materazzi: "It was seen by two or three billion people on television, and millions and millions of children were watching.

"It was an inexcusable gesture, and to them and the people in education whose job it is to show children what they should and shouldn't do, I want to apologise."

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