But one question still sparks debate among fans and historians alike: did Zidane win the Champions League as a player? The answer is yes — and the way he did it made football history. In this article, VulcanKick will take you behind the scenes of that famous 2002 triumph, explore his European finals record, compare to others who achieved it as both player and coach, and highlight the legacy that followed.
Zidane’s European record before 2002
Zidane’s career in European competition was storied — but not always victorious. During his years at Juventus, he reached two UEFA Champions League finals: 1997 (lost to Borussia Dortmund) and 1998.
- In 1997, Juventus were defeated 3–1 by Borussia Dortmund in the final.
- In 1998, Juventus faced Real Madrid and lost 1–0.
So by the time he moved to Real Madrid in 2001, Zidane had tasted European heartbreak twice. His Champions League résumé up to that point showed ambition and quality — but no winner’s medal.
The crowning moment: 2002 Final and Zidane’s volley
Everything changed on 15 May 2002 at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Real Madrid faced Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Champions League final. The stage was set for a moment of magic — and that’s exactly what Zizou delivered.
In a pulsating final, the match was level at 1–1 as full time approached., struck an unforgettable left-footed volley into the top corner. It was sublime, stunning, and decisive. Real Madrid won 2–1, and Zidane had secured his first and only Champions League title as a player.
This goal is widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the competition.
Thus — yes, Zidane did win the Champions League as a player.
Honors and legacy: what that win meant
That 2002 victory elevated Zidane’s status. A few notable consequences:
- It cemented his place among the elite: winning the Champions League meant he joined a rare class of players who had reached the top of Europe.
- He became one of the few to later win the Champions League also as a coach.
- That goal immortalized his name in Madrid lore — and still shows up on highlight reels and best-goals compilations.
In his trophy list as a player, the 2002 Champions League is his only title in that competition. Supporting records list it clearly among his honors. He also won domestic titles (La Liga) and international trophies (World Cup, Euros) in his playing career.
From player to coach: the rare double
Winning the Champions League as player is one thing. Coaching it is another entirely. Zidane is part of a very exclusive group who have done both. When he led Real Madrid to European glory in 2016, he became only the seventh man to claim the European Cup / Champions League as both a player and manager.
That elite list includes figures like Johann Cruyff, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Frank Rijkaard and others. Zidane’s success as a coach added new depth to his legend: he didn’t just taste glory on the field, he repeated it.
Why that 2002 win still matters today
- It defined his legacy. For decades, fans and pundits debated whether he was complete without a Champions League. That 2002 win erased any doubts.
- It shows how one moment can elevate a career. That volley remains one of the most replayed goals ever in Champions League archives.
- It linked the two parts of his football journey: player and manager, creating a narrative few others can claim.
- It places Zidane in the pantheon of legends who mastered both roles — rare company, rare achievement.
Conclusion
Yes — Zidane won the Champions League as a player, securing that trophy in 2002 with a volley that lives on in football folklore. That moment not only answered any lingering questions about his European credentials but also set the stage for his later success as a coach.
Now, VulcanKick invites you to explore more: check out his managerial record in Champions League, compare his playing and coaching titles, and revisit that 2002 final in highlights. Want stats by season, goal breakdowns, or comparisons with other legends? Just ask — let’s dive dee
